TIP: Window Regulator (replacing cable)

[skipi]

Hi,

I've just completed replacing the cable of the window regulator in my 2002 A6 Avant (drivers door).

I got the kit on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

My tip is to leave the wire off one of the bottom rollers during assembly, and then using a small screwdriver turn the the bottom roller to get the wire on. Otherwise you won't be able get the onto the motor roller.

Also, mark the position of the bolts/window frame before removing, otherwise you could find the top of the door not aligning properly afterwards.

It's an easy enough job. 1.5 - 2 hrs

[Niall76]

Aha!

The very thing I have been waiting on.

Many thanks, how does it perform? Any issues?

Ta!

[skipi]

Hi,

I found the new guides a bit tight and the window was slow to close
even after applying grease. I refitted the old clips as they were still in good condition.

Good luck

[midge6]

I repaired my driver’s window about a year ago and it’s been fine since. If we’re talking about tips, this is the way I did it, after removing window sub-frame as above and installing the new cable, I compressed the spring and clamped it using a small vice grip on a blunt small bolt placed in the hole of the white nylon piece (See Win 1) on both sides of the motor housing (Win 2 has no tension). This effectively locked the cable under tension and made it reasonably easy to thread it around all the rollers. I think that it’s well known that the new clips are pink and are supposed to be stronger than the old blue ones. The ones that came in the kit I bought off EBay were pink but they were rubbish, also the Nylon spool didn’t fit. It wasn’t a problem for me as the cable was ok and I didn’t need the other bits. I have now got a spare cable only, just in case the passenger door window fails. The other tip I would add is to make sure when re-routing the cable that you put some kind of cushioning around it where it’s likely to rattle against the frame – you’ll see the old cable has it built in to the cable cover (Top of Win 2).
Hope this helps someone.

[eeyore]

Top tip from Skipi re leaving one bottom roller until last, although the cable is VERY tight to slip over the last roller.

Just done my drivers window and also found that the cable spool in the Ebay kit was too fat and jammed the motor. Re-used my old spool and now works fine.

Bit of a fiddle to do overall but only a £20 fix instead of a new regulator at £60-70.

One thing to note before you start - you'll need a suitably large torx socket to remove the door frame.

[Dozy]

Hi Folks

2002 A6 avant 1.9tdi (with a juicy remap)

I replaced a broken window regulator cable in my drivers door about a year ago using an e-bay kit and managed it just fine. Replaced the clips (although originals were not broken).The cable has now snapped again and the window is very stiff to raise even when I place a flat hand on either side and pull it up. The colder it is outside the harder it is to slide up.(when the original problem arose a year ago it was exactly the same : on a cold day the motor was really struggling) I'm happy enough that the motor still has lots of power and I think that the window seal around the inner edge of the door frame might be the culprit. Does anyone know where to source this seal and how easy is it to fit? Have bought a new cable and hope to fit it next week but finding the source of the problem will hopefully prevent a repeat of this issue.

Any help would be much appreciated

Cheers

Dozy

[midge6]

Hi Folks

2002 A6 avant 1.9tdi (with a juicy remap)

I replaced a broken window regulator cable in my drivers door about a year ago using an e-bay kit and managed it just fine. Replaced the clips (although originals were not broken).The cable has now snapped again and the window is very stiff to raise even when I place a flat hand on either side and pull it up. The colder it is outside the harder it is to slide up.(when the original problem arose a year ago it was exactly the same : on a cold day the motor was really struggling) I'm happy enough that the motor still has lots of power and I think that the window seal around the inner edge of the door frame might be the culprit. Does anyone know where to source this seal and how easy is it to fit? Have bought a new cable and hope to fit it next week but finding the source of the problem will hopefully prevent a repeat of this issue.

Any help would be much appreciated

Cheers

Dozy

Hi,

i think that there are 2 aspects to this repair that are worth paying attention to. When you unbolt the plastic clips that hold the glass on to the pink clips, I think special care needs to be taken on reassembly to ensure the glass clips engage in to the pink clips in exactly the same slots (Splines if you like) as they were when you took the glass out. If they're off centre, the glass may not glide up and down freely as it could bind on one side more than the other. The other thing i do from time to time is spray the seals with a silicone or PTFE lubricant to help the glass glide more easily.
HTH
Midge.

[Dozy]

Thanks for the tip : don't suppose you can remember the name of the lubricant spray?

Cheers

Dozy

[midge6]

Thanks for the tip : don't suppose you can remember the name of the lubricant spray?

Cheers

Dozy

Hi, The aerosol can i have is called Pitstop oil and contains PTFE and is sold by a company called Scotts. I was given this by a friend in the trade and have not seen it in any shop. You could ring the company and they should be able to direct you to a local supplier - their number is: 01305-260555.
Good luck.

[Dozy]

Thanks again