Merry Christmas! My right rear window motor in my convertible is WEAK. I've been looking online for some how to's but I've yet to find info on any A body diy's. Any ideas out there? I'm sure there's some shortcuts or easier ways of pulling the door panel etc etc that may minimize the risk of damaging something......or tips that may save time. Thanks in advance!
You can use the search function on this site or use Google for a search of this site (for different subjects) by including V8Buick.com in the search phrase along with the search words or subject. Also, you can check out www.BuickPerformanceClub.com for additional info and "How To's" which are very instructive: Click here ===> http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/page1.htm . Here is one of the tutorials from www.BuickPerformanceClub.com: http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/PW.htm which shows the installation of power windows and would be helpful as much of the same process would be required to change a power window motor. Keep in mind that many power window motors actually are not worn out per se, but rather have very old (original) grease inside which gets very hard over the decades and just needs to cleaned out and then replaced with new (modern) grease ... just a tip.
Sounds good - Thanks Ken! I'll be sure to inspect/clean/grease the motor before spending nearly a hundred bucks for new!
Like Ken said, clean out the old grease. I use rags with mineral spirits and a "J" shaped piece of metal to clean the grooves in the track. It is next to impossible to clean the grease in the actual rollers. DO NOT repeat DO NOT USE any type off aerosol parts cleaner on the rollers; It will soften the plastic of the rollers and REALLY make a mess of things ( Don't ask me how I know...) Lube the rollers and track with a good high quality grease; Some use lithium based, some use bearing grease, some use silicone grease. I use good old bearing grease. Run the window up and down several times with the door panels off to verify operation and good spreading of the lube, and remove the excess. You wouldn't want a glob of grease to fall down inside your door frame and trap water behind it (Rust WILL form... Don't ask me how I know that as well...)
I just re-read your original post... You say that it is the REAR window motor? You WILL have to remove the rear seat lower AND upper to access the track. Getting those trim screws back into the correct location can be one Royal PITA, to say the least. At least it was on BOTH of my convertibles, especially when installing reproduction panels... On the originals, at least they had their holes already there, and had conformed to the car's structure.
Jeff, take step-by-step pics with your cell phone and ask here for any help/guidance as you tackle this. There's a lot of knowledge here and people willing to help out. I will add this in case this is the first time you've had to work inbetween inner and outer panels (doors or body). There are holes or access points stamped in the metal inner panels (visable after removing interior trim panels). Consider having some simple masking tape at the ready to tape over the edges of the metal holes and access points where you will be putting your hands and forearms. The metal edges can be sharp and are not always dull ... and can cut skin if not careful. The tape is a really good and simple protector to help you not get more than a head ache in the experience.
