Power Windows

Discussion in 'Chassis restoration' started by buickbonehead, Jan 9, 2005.

  1. buickbonehead

    buickbonehead WOT Baby!

    I took my power window linkage out because it sounded like the motor was laboring too much. I thought the linkage would only need cleaning and lubricating, but it seems the "helper" spring may be wound too tight. Is that possible. I'm assuming the spring is to be wound as the window goes down so it will assist the motor on the upswing.

    Anyone have an idea on this. The pic shows the spring to be almost bottomed out (totally wound) in the down position. Should I loosen it? ....and how do I do that w/o shooting a pair of pliers across the garage?

    The motor is supposed to be a fresh motor, so I don't think the motor is weak.

    Here is the spring pic.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. buickbonehead

    buickbonehead WOT Baby!

    Here's the back side. I am assuming this is the correct motor for a '65 Wildcat convertible.

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

    Thanks Rick
     

    Attached Files:

  3. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Did you check to make sure there was no binding on the door itself - such as weatherstripping and window guides/bumpers? I have this problem with my drivers window, even though everything is clean and lubed. The way I have the window adjusted makes it rub a little hard on the weatherstripping going both ways. Windows are a nightmare to adjust and work on:rant:
     
  4. buickbonehead

    buickbonehead WOT Baby!

    The weather stripping is a contributing factor and I am sure there is some binding, however I pulled the spring/motor unit and ran it out of the car. The motor is only compressing the spring and is laboring. I compressed the spring by hand and it is VERY rigid.

    It would seem the "up" and the "down" should be balanced (ie. same speed). My guess is the spring is only there to offset the effect of gravity. I guess the trick is to get that balance. It is definately slower going down than up.

    Is there a tool to unload the spring?

    Thanks Rick
     
  5. 73Electra 225

    73Electra 225 Well-Known Member

    Be very careful working around that spring. It has a lot of stored energy. You might already know this, but if you plan on removing the motor at all, you have to make sure you stick something like a screwdriver between I believe the gear and main regulator arm. When they are in a certain postion, two holes should line up to do this.
     
  6. GStage1

    GStage1 Always looking for parts!

    The spring is not the problem. Remove the motor and inspect the driver wheel and worm gear. Run the motor without being connected to the regulator. IF that is an original and never opened motor, expect the grease to be dried out. Remove all old grease residue with mineral spirits. Buy some spray white lithium grease at Autozone and spray the worm gear while it is running. Operate it in both directions for proper lubrication. Spray drive gear with grease, all pivot points and driven gear. Once all pivot points are lubed, you should be able to move the regulator by hand. The arm length acts as a lever to overcome the spring force. Make sure you lube the roller wheel on the regulator and the channel in the window for smooth operation. Don't forget to oil the felt oil wick on the guide post too. You would be surprised how good lubrication will improve pw operation.
     

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