Whose windows are rattling or wobbling?

**Naaman** · 03-19-2014, 04:05 AM

I had the window half-way down on the freeway yesterday and noticed that (seemingly) with the 65+mph winds rushing by it, it was rattling/wobbling/swaying in and out. Basically, the window itself (the glass) sways back and forth very noticeably as I drive.

Would this be a problem with the regulator? What part actually keeps the window still inside the door?

**Firebirdjones** · 03-19-2014, 04:41 AM

Can you describe your definition of very noticable?

Every hardtop/vert car I've owned (meaning non sedan cars with no frame around the door glass) always has some amount of movement when the window is half down. The only support they have really are the window felt strips and small pads that are inside the door channel, above that nothing. Just the nature of the beast. Sometimes those felt pads can get out of adjustment from people slamming doors with the windows half down, or you see the people that grab the glass to pull or push the door shut when they get out, or the felt just simply wears out over time (you would usually see scratches on the glass as a sign) That glass is heavy, so slight movment is likely unavoidable in most cases.

Since most side glass has a contour, (these 4th gens do) the adjustment is made when the window is in the full up position. As you roll the window down the contour changes and may not be contacting the felt as it once was. If you make the adjustment with the windows down, then they become too tight as the window is rolled up, slowing down the window as it moves and putting more strain on the window motor. If it were a manual window it's not something to really worry about.

***SMWS6TA*** · 03-19-2014, 06:03 AM

^^yep, depends on what FBJ asked.

When my regulator was on it's way it it was a very noticeable wobble then the rivet broke and finally the glass dropped.

**Naaman** · 03-19-2014, 05:35 PM

Well, when I roll the window all the way up or down, at the last few centimeters, it "thunks" into (out of?) place. By very noticeable, I would estimate that the top of the window is swaying by at least 15-20 degrees or so (about 3-4 inches of movement in and out at the top of the window).

Now, on my passenger side, back when the exterior door panel was coming off, that window also rattled and wobbled. But when I got the body panel fixed, the window seemed to be tightened up, as well. The driver's door panel is still intact, but the window does not seem secure.

Anyone have any idea what the book time might be to replace the relevant part?

**raynor139** · 03-19-2014, 06:37 PM

There is a guide inside the door at the top kind of a gold color piece. My driver side one broke thought the motor was going bad until I pulled the panel off. The window was vibrating and the angle was off.

***SMWS6TA*** · 03-20-2014, 06:16 AM

Originally Posted by Naaman

Well, when I roll the window all the way up or down, at the last few centimeters, it "thunks" into (out of?) place. By very noticeable, I would estimate that the top of the window is swaying by at least 15-20 degrees or so (about 3-4 inches of movement in and out at the top of the window).

Now, on my passenger side, back when the exterior door panel was coming off, that window also rattled and wobbled. But when I got the body panel fixed, the window seemed to be tightened up, as well. The driver's door panel is still intact, but the window does not seem secure.

Anyone have any idea what the book time might be to replace the relevant part?

only a couple of hours. I had a shop do mine for $150 and that was with the regulator.

**Naaman** · 03-20-2014, 10:35 PM

Okay, so NOW the window doesn't roll all the way up... it gets stuck at about 90% on its way up. I have to push out on the glass, then roll it down a couple inches, then roll it up for it to go up properly. Its like it slips or drops out of whatever is holding it in place. Guess I'm going back to the dealer...

**Firebirdjones** · 03-21-2014, 04:49 AM

Lol, yeah it sounds like you definately have an issue going on then. Sometimes power windows are just more trouble than their worth to me. I still like the ole' cranks.

**Naaman** · 03-21-2014, 08:04 PM

I like cranks, too, honeslty. Except when I'm on th efreeway and want to roll down the passenger side window... :P

**bigrondownhiller** · 03-25-2014, 06:30 PM

It could be one of several things. Better get it looked at. Hopefully it is something easy like a loose bolt or broken rivet.

**az gt eater** · 03-26-2014, 07:56 AM

I tightened up my felt guides. Helped some. Didn't get them really tight, though.

**Naaman** · 03-28-2014, 01:57 AM

I'll be taking her in on Monday to get the windows/door fixed (my driver side door handle no longer works, so to open the door, I have to reach in from the passenger side and open from inside; I think the window "fell" out of place and knocked the latch mechanism out of place, or something).

**Naaman** · 04-01-2014, 05:37 PM

DAMNIT!!! I took my car to the stealerhsip against all better judgement and tell them the following:

My driver side door handle no-longer opens the door (inside works fine) and that the window is off track. I leave it there for 8 hours, they tell me they could not source the sash for the window but fixed the door handle. Cool. $130 OTD.

Then, they bring my car up, and my son gets in on the passenger side, closes the door, and the little triangle piece inside where the outer mirror attaches to just falls off the FIRST time the door was closed after they had my car. Then, I get out, and I notice that the plastic cover that goes along side the driver seat (it covers up the recliner mechanism and shrouds the power seat controls) is pulled away from the seat, the little tab that holds it in place is broken.

So I took the broken little triangle inside and they say: "It's hard to take responsibility when we didn't work on the passenger door." (Looking at the hardware, I can tell they were in there for some unknowable reason). Of course, the little screw that holds the piece on is nowhere to be found inside my car (it was probably left in the mechanic's stall, go figure).

This kind of crap happens every time I trust my car to a dealer, regardless of location or make of vehicle (other than my Honda...).

**bigrondownhiller** · 04-01-2014, 05:45 PM

I bet the guy who worked on it checked out the passenger side to compare to the driver side. Sucks when you pay for shabby work. I would find a local guy who will do better work. Did they even say what was wrong with the window?

**theorangeguy** · 04-01-2014, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by bigrondownhiller

I bet the guy who worked on it checked out the passenger side to compare to the driver side. Sucks when you pay for shabby work. I would find a local guy who will do better work. Did they even say what was wrong with the window?

That's what I was thinking too...he didn't know what to look for so he looked at the other one.

Take it to an actual window shop that specializes in replacing windows that sit in a door frame and get them to fix it... I've been putting off taking the inside of my door off to look at mine...my drivers side window is starting to sag and I've been too lazy to fix it.

**Naaman** · 04-02-2014, 12:47 AM

Originally Posted by bigrondownhiller

I bet the guy who worked on it checked out the passenger side to compare to the driver side. Sucks when you pay for shabby work. I would find a local guy who will do better work. Did they even say what was wrong with the window?

I found the best guy "in town" but he's 45 miles away. So I decided to try the dealer down the street since it was convenient and I didn't want to have to schedule an appointment to get my door working. Now I have to find the part online somewhere...

Originally Posted by theorangeguy

That's what I was thinking too...he didn't know what to look for so he looked at the other one.

Take it to an actual window shop that specializes in replacing windows that sit in a door frame and get them to fix it... I've been putting off taking the inside of my door off to look at mine...my drivers side window is starting to sag and I've been too lazy to fix it.

I didn't know there was such a thing. I'll have to look into this.