You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Our car is now getting on a bit and so not all garage jobs makes sense economically. Has anyone had a crack at replacing a door window regulator and motor themselves? It doesn’t look too bad in YouTube videos but then again neither do 20ft gap jumps when done by people who know what they are doing. It’s a Seat Altea XL if that makes a difference?
I messed about with it on my MK1 mx5, wasn't too bad for someone who's reasonably handy.
I did it on a Mk 1 Fabia, the biggest faff was having to drill out the rivets to remove the panel then order specific rivets to remount. I only changed the steel cable and plastic accessories. If I was to do it again, I'd just get the complete panel to make it easier.
I took the door trim off my 61 plate Octavia to see if I could fix it myself but the panel underneath the trim (in front of the regulator) was all riveted, I knew I'd either screw up drilling them out or trying to replace them with nuts & bolts so just went to the garage instead - I think it cost £500 or so though (inc. new regulator). I'm sure it's doable if you're not cack-handed like me though.
old car yes new car no
I've done it on a few cars and it's generally a pretty easy job, just watch out for door airbags. It's one of few jobs I'd definitely recommend threadlock for. Even when tight, the bolts can work loose due to vibration, movement and temperature.
Did one ages ago, mk1 Mondy I think. Drilling the rivets was a pain. Getting the whole replacement thing in exactly the right place was a bit fiddly. Other than than, none too bad.
Caveat is, the door was pretty easy to take apart. Access on something more modern - without breaking any trim or clips or setting off the airbags - might be a headache.
Thanks, it sounds like rivets will be the make or break of it.
Seatcupra.net is normally a good resource for this kind of stuff. Here's a few links that might help you out.
https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/help-window-regulator.302865/
https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/electric-window-fix.281577/
https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/electric-window-issues-seat-altea-2006.418703/
I tried to do one in my Fiesta years ago & again found the worst thing was the rivets.
I didn't need to change it in the end - I took the window motor out of the gearbox to try & make the job easier, realised it wasn't going to help so put it back in & it all started working again!
Not sure I’d bother anymore but that’s just me being lazy!
Did it years ago on a Peugeot 306. As others have said the rivets were the hardest part. I didn’t have access to a rivet gun so as a temporary measure used some small bolts and lock-nuts. Never changed it in two years and they were still as tight and caused no issues. An option if you also don’t have access to rivet gun.
I have now done both front windows on my VW Bora. Not a difficult job but don't rush it. I replaced the drill out rivets with a cable tie.
Watch a few videos and check owners forums for step by step instructions.
Done plenty of them over the years from Mk3 Escorts to E36 BMW's (BMW'S are riveted on so i drilled them out and replaced with nuts and bolts)
Do a Google search on your car and find some forums where people have done this before so you can get some useful tips/how to's
Exactly what cookie_monster said. I’ve replaced 2 now on my 59 plate be Jetta and it’s outer doorskin off and then just take your time with all the fiddly bits . Took around an hour and a half each time
Don't assume you need to replace the rivets like for like either, they would only be used for speed of assembly in the factory. Bolts with nylock nuts will do the job nicely, just make sure you have clearance when the window goes up and down.
I've done this on an Audi. A lots been said already but easily done if you are methodical. In my case I purchased a set of plastic trim tools, which have been invaluable since and bought a new sharp drill for the rivets, made all the difference. I also pulled out the old unit to get the right part number before ordering just to make absolutely sure I had the right one! the most important thing is to give yourself time, it might take 30 mins it might take 4 hours....
Used to be dead easy on older stuff like Mk2 and mk3 Golfs and my MR2.
I'm not very mechanically minded, so I tend to watch a YT video if it (there's always one) to judge weather I fancy it or not, if I do I stick to the script, it's in my nature to think "oh... that's easy" skip ahead or do the wrong thing and make a big mess of it.
Assuming the Altea is like the Leon - if so - it is quite hard to remove the door card - but maybe for what you want to do not too bad.
To remove the door card you have to remove the whole window mechanism - so you half-wind the window down, tape the window, undo the bolts, then remove the card. It is a REAL faff. But you end up getting hold of the window regulator/motor - so might work out better for you??? See seatcupra.net for a guide (for Leon).