Side glass problems? Here's how you can easily solve them!

The side glass is a commonly neglected component of a car. Has been doing its job well for years. And then suddenly disappears in the car door and all attempts to lift it cause only an unpleasant rattle. This sounds dramatic; however, this situation can be corrected relatively easily. Read here what you need to repair a side window.

Hidden design with whims

Technically, the side glass in all cars is the same: it is fixed directly or indirectly on the rail with two clamps. The rail is connected to a lever mechanism driven by a manual window opener or an electric motor. The window that fell into the door broke off the rail. This can be corrected, but you need to act adequately and carefully. .

Access to the window without causing damage

In order to be able to repair the window guide system, the linkage must first be exposed .

This is the first problem: the mechanism is behind the upholstery, which must first be removed. The upholstery is held in place by:

– straight threaded connections – power windows – Add-on components such as handle, door lock, power window and possible internal adjustment of the side mirrors – clamps - storage compartments

• Screws can be loosened . The handle and storage compartment are usually attached with a few screws. If the power window is built into the handle, disassemble the switch first. It is often simply snapped on and can be removed with a wide screwdriver. Now remove the cable lugs and nothing will happen when you remove the door trim.

• Dismantling window openers can be a real problem . Automobile manufacturers provided several systems. There are three standard designs:

– screw connection with central bolt - fastening with a bracket – fastening with a mounting ring

• The central bolt is the simplest window opener mount . Sometimes it is hidden under a protective cover that can be removed with a flat screwdriver. Unfortunately, car designers find exposed and easily accessible screw heads unsightly. Therefore, this simple but practical solution is becoming increasingly rare.
• Thin-nosed pliers are best for removing the bracket . Pulling it out can be quite difficult.
• The mounting ring system is a special solution requiring specific knowledge . Many desperate do-it-yourselfers almost broke their fingers trying to remove the window opener. This solution, however, is the simplest: the locking mechanism is located in a plastic ring directly below the window opener. Just slide it to the side and the window opener can be removed along with the lock .
• Finally, the door trim can be removed. . We recommend refraining from the use of force. Often there are several clips left on the door, tearing the fabric cover. It's not easy to repair. The best and safest way to remove door covers without damage is to use tools. These costs are approx. £7 and should be in every toolbox.

ethereal foil

The film behind the door upholstery, covering the entire inside of the door, is very important. This prevents rainwater from penetrating inside. The film must be removed or cut to get to the side window linkage. When assembling, do not forget about re-fastening, for which ordinary tape is enough.

Window and its linkage

The upholstery is dismantled and the film is removed, giving access to the window. At first glance, you can see that the window is not where it should be: next to the guide, not in it . Whether on rail or with clips: window must be glued . The fact that she loosened up is often due to failed putty. No manipulations in this repair are prohibited!

The connection between the window and the guide system must withstand high traction forces , since the window does not slide straight through the rail, but along a curve. Attempts with superglue, pattex or silicone give only short-term success. Offered at retail special kits for window glue . They are mainly intended for windshield , but can also be used for side windows.

If the window is held by the clips, they may stretch or break. . In this case, only original spare parts are used. If they are too expensive or no longer available, check the landfill. Tip: in any case, when visiting a recycler, you can often return a whole window plus clips. This saves a lot of gluing time. .

Clean the guide and contact surfaces as thoroughly as possible before gluing the window. . A knife or scraper should be used. The remains of the old glue must be removed as carefully as possible.

Then treat the guide and contact surfaces of the window with a degreaser . Fits silicone cleaner or brake cleaner. When the joint between window and railing is sufficiently degreased, apply new window adhesive. Clamps or mounting rail and window must be attached in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer's specifications and the entire structure must dry. After that, everything is mounted - ready.

Window regulator not working

Another possibility of side glass failure occurs in vehicles with power windows. . Their design is different in that they have an electric motor instead of a steering wheel. If the window can no longer be raised, systematic action is required:

I. Try to open the power window: if you hear the hum of the motor, then either the glass has come off the guide, or the motor is faulty. Alternatively, the belt or traction cable may be damaged. The only way to be sure of this is to disassemble the door as described.II. If the engine does not make noise after pressing the switch , this indicates a power failure. The following verification steps must be taken. You will need a multimeter.

1. Check the fuses: these components age over time and can burn out if overloaded.

2. Check wiring: the switch cable is checked first. One of the three phases must be supplied current 12 volts. If this is not the case and everything is in order with the fuses, then the cause is a cable break. It's unlikely, but not impossible. The cable needs to be replaced. For safety reasons, you should also check the ground cable.

3. Check switch: Loosen the power window switch, but leave it connected to the vehicle's electrical outlet. Connect a multimeter to the motor terminals. The operation of the switch should cause current 12 volts . If this is not the case and the switch cable is OK, then the switch is faulty. You can try to repair, but this is a delicate operation. A faster method is to replace the switch with a new or certified used one. To be sure, try another trick: Connect the power window motor ground cable to the vehicle body. Then install a long cable from the battery to the motor plug and connect both pins in series to the power supply. If the lever motor now responds, the fault is definitely in the switch. This procedure is also very handy if the window gets stuck halfway. It allows you to shut down the car. .

4. Everything is OK with the switch: now the only possible faulty element may be the electric motor. As a rule, it is quite expensive and therefore requires careful inspection. Often it is only a matter of contact contamination, and their work can be restored using brake cleaner и contact spray . If the engine smells burnt, it probably needs to be replaced.

Be bold!

RџSЂRё having some know-how, patience и systematic action the side glass can be repaired properly. You can save a lot of money with a DIY attempt.