Regardless of whether the windows of your vehicle are manual or electric, they rely on a mechanical assembly known as the window regulator to move them up or down. If you are having problems controlling the movement of your door windows and find them stuck, moving by themselves, or hard to move, there might be an issue with the door window regulators. To find out more about this part and how to best go about getting yours replaced, keep reading.

What Car Door Window Regulators Do

Car door window regulators are mechanical assemblies mounted inside the door panel. They hold the windows in place and also move them up and down by keeping them aligned in the channels of the doors, regulating their movement.

Types of Door Window Regulators

Door window regulators can be categorized by their required input—either manual or electric, or their mechanism—scissor-type, cable-type, and Bowden system.

Manual

Manual door window regulators were ubiquitous until the end of the 20th century, and they required the physical turning of a crank to shrink or expand the device to bring the window up or down.

Power (Electric)

Power or electric windows are now the most common type of door window regulators and are found on newer vehicles. These are operated by switches on the door panel or at the master control that are connected to window motors that raise or lower the windows.

Scissor-Type

The scissor-type door window regulator gets its name from its scissor-like form. As it expands or shrinks, it brings the window up or down respectively.

Cable-Type

Cable-type door window regulators feature a relatively new and more complex design than scissor-types. They feature cables and pulleys and take up less real estate inside the door, freeing up space for other devices.

Bowden System

Bowden system door window regulators are a subset of cable-type regulators, making use of a cable housed inside a protective sheath or tube. When the door window motor is activated and rotates, the rotation translates to linear movement of the cable that brings the windows up or down.

Symptoms of Failing Door Window Regulators

The regulators are an important component of your car door's windows. When they're not working properly, there will be some telltale signs.

Abnormal Speed

When the door window regulators are worn out or damaged, there could be a change in the speed at which the windows go up or down. As such, they might either shoot up or down too quickly or move at a glacial pace.

Unusual Noises

If you notice grinding, clicking, or other unusual noises, there might be faults with the window regulator's gears, cables, and/or motor. Check with a mechanic for an accurate diagnosis of what needs to be replaced.

Window Displacement

One of the roles of the door window regulators is to hold it in place, so if the window detaches from the door frame, the regulator has likely failed. In such a case, you should get it replaced as soon as possible since the open window might be inviting opportunistic thieves.

Restricted Movement

When the door windows are unable to move up or down completely, it's likely that the door window regulators are at fault and need to be checked out.

How to Choose the Right Door Window Regulators

Aftermarket or OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) door window regulators are those made by either the car brand themselves or their authorized manufacturers, whereas aftermarket door window regulators are made by third-party manufacturers.

We recommend investing in OEM door window regulators to return your vehicle to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Not to mention, aftermarket units may void your vehicle's warranty.

Vehicle Compatibility

To guarantee a proper fit, ensure that you're getting door window regulators specific for your vehicle, as they can differ between models and even model years. Double-check the position of the window, the number of windows in your car, and whether the window regulators are electric or manual.

Installation Considerations

Although it is possible to replace your car's door window regulator, you might want to leave this to a professional as it will require a number of specialty tools and involve taking apart your car's door—a complicated task in itself. If you're feeling confident in your abilities, however, you can follow the steps below to install your replacement door window regulators.

Required tools and parts:

1. Drill
2. Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
3. Pliers
4. Tape
5. Hammer and punch
6. Socket and box wrench
7. Magnetic retrieval tool
8. Lubricant
9. Pop-rivet gun and rivets
10. Replacement door window regulators

With these tools and parts on hand, you can now go about installing the door window regulators!

1. Disconnect the car battery.
2. Disassemble the car door by first taping the window in place, removing the screws and clips holding the door panel in place, disconnecting the electrical connections, and then removing the door panel parts.
3. Remove the window regulator by undoing and removing the rivets and holding it to the car door with the use of a drill to drill out the centers of the rivets. Once all the rivets are removed, the regulator can then be removed from the door opening.
4. You can now install and replace the door window regulator. Insert the screws into the new door window regulator and align them with the holes in the door. Once in place, use a socket and wrench to tighten them.
5. Lubricate the slide and reconnect all the wiring and the car battery before you test the window. If it's working correctly, you can then reassemble the car door by repeating the above steps in the reverse order.

Where to Buy Quality New & Used Door Window Regulators

For new and used door window regulators in excellent condition and at great prices, shop here with BE FORWARD Auto Parts.