electric rear window regulator replacement procedure

[caddylow]

I took apart my electric tailgate window regulator and I can't figure out how to align the arms with the window motor. I didn't realize that the regulator was under so much tension so when I unbolted the motor, the arm released and I cut my hand up pretty good. I didn't make any reference marks on the arms so here I am trying to figure how to get it all lined up so I don't break the window. Anyone know the correct procedure for doing this, possibly right from a factory manual?

[Stowburb]

I replaced the motor in mine awhile back and didn't run into that kind of problem, i think the regulator does have a spring in it, but it didnt "pop" loose or anything when i removed it. it should be fairly simple. sorry about your hand, that hurts like heck, i have had a door regulator do that to me before....ouch!

[caddylow]

Stowburb, Now that I thought about it, I was wondering if you replaced the motor with the window/window regulator all the way in the up position and maybe thats what I did wrong because I think the tension on the spring is greatest when the regulator is in the down position so the window has help to overcome gravity on its way up. I haven't had time to work on it in the garage but I'll get it back together soon.

[Stowburb]

Seems to me, i had removed the glass, and then removed the reg. Then on the work bench i had a batt. and ran it through the motions before removing the motor, i believe your right about the spring under load when the window is down.Hope you get it soon, i'm sure glad i have barn doors now, so i dont have to deal with that problem anymore.
  Good luck,
 Chris

[ccz145a]

I know on the doors, you pull motor and reg as a unit after the glass is out. Then clamp it in a vise so nothing moves. Then R/R the motor and put it all back. Hope you still have all your fingers! 

[BLUE BURBAN]

I just did this same thing about 6 weeks ago. When I wiggled the motor loose, like you, I didn't realize arms were under such high spring tension that the arm swung around and about  guillotined my right fingers off. As it was it did break my little finger just in front of my knuckle. Still can't move that finger too well and if I brush up against something with it...........OHHHHHHHHHH MOMMA!!!!!!!!!!


Now on to how to align the arms properly....

If you look at the arms near the gears on them you will see a couple of alignment marks.
Now if you look at the center of the assembly where the gears go under there are 2 alignment marks there as well that are straight across from one another.
In order to get the marks to line up straight across from gear to gear, you will need to rotate the arms towards the up position and past there until the gears disengage from one another.
While holding onto the passengers side arm (the spring loaded side) move the drivers side forward or back as needed one tooth at a time and then check the alignment marks. Do this until the marks are straight across from one another.
There is a hole in the center of one of the arms that will line up with a hole in the base of the regulator where you can insert a screwdriver to keep the regulator in place while you bolt the motor back up.

[Captkaos]

Thanks for Burb for posting that...

[caddylow]

Thanks everyone for your help!  I ended up buying a rebuilt motor from napa for $99 and took apart and relined the side channels with some 2 inch velcro from Lowes. If anyone is interested in how I rebuilt my channels let me know and I'll take some photos and go into more detail about it.

[AdrianR]

If anyone is interested in how I rebuilt my channels let me know and I'll take some photos and go into more detail about it.

PM Sent