Rebuild or tighten power window regulator?
 

'87 GXL:

Drivers side power window does not go up properly, with a "ratcheting" sound about half way up. Previous threads indicated this is a problem with the gear and the "rack" assembly (the plastic chain with the balls on it). It does go down fine.

I removed the door panel trim, removed the power window switch from panel, removed glass and removed the regulator assembly. I tested it out of the door and it did seem to bind on the way up. The rubber hose that the chain slides into had broken off right where it fits onto the regulator motor mount, so the chain had been feeding out into the door cavity. I cut off the broken 1/2 in or so, cleaned the chain, smeared lithium grease on it, sprayed Teflon Wd40 onto the rail that the window braket rides in, and retested - seemed to work much better. I reinserted the chain into the hose, tested it again, and then reinstalled everything. I tried to clean the window tracks as best I could.

Once all back in (before I reinstalled the door trim) I tested, and of course the window does not go up smoothly, same slipping of the drive gear (paddle?) as before. I imagine the paddle is bad (worn down) or maybe the chain needs tightening. I don't see how to tighten it - there is a spring at the end away fom the motor, but no obvious way to do any repairs with it.

Any advice - any old threads that describe how to "freshen up" this whole regulator assembly? Or maybe this is just a problem with the window and guides?

Thanks!

I have this same problem. I was looking for the right part to replace to fix the ratcheting on the window when it goes up.
It has gotten so bad that I cannot lower it all the way in fear that I cannot get it out of the door without helping it sole.

Please help.

I'm on expert on power windows, but I don't know of any way to repair the regulator/motor assemblies. I suspect that the reason it works out of the car, but not in it is because it has the extra weight of the glass on it, causing it to skip teeth. Maybe someone else will chime in with a suggestion.

I finally found one in a salvage yard here in TX. I bought it for $25 and lubed it and it works like a champ!

I actually have a set for sale now, but 25 is a very good price.