79' 300 SD
 

Hi folks,

The passenger front window is having trouble operating. I took the door panel off and one of the two gears of the regulator is pretty chewed up. The power window motor works fine though. My question is being that you have limited view of trying to take this regulator out, how difficult would it be if I tackled this job myself?

I'm pretty mechanically inclined but unsure of how/where the mounting bolts of the regulator are and how the regulator arms would be removed from the window track. If anyone has done one of these I would like to hear from you.

Thanks,

Mark :o

I can only speak for my 82 SD (w126) but I ended up taking the regulator out of my driver's door. It was kind of a pain to get back in, as regulators usually are pretty awkward contraptions, but it was just cumbersome - not difficult. The bolts should be visible from the inside of the car with the door panel off, take a socket and unscrew them. Just make sure that your window is secured to the top of the door (tape it excessively) so it doesn't weigh the regulator down. If you can actually get the window down, this usually makes it easier to get the thing out but most people have stuck windows and have to make do with what they have.

If the w116 is like the w126, you'll need new sliding jaws for the window. They have a crush pattern so that it lodges in the track. They are only about $5 a piece IIRC, white plastic.

regulator
 

If I help the window I can get it up and down, but it's inevitable to fail. I was thinking that it would be easier to get the regulator out with the window up, guess not. I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks,

Mark

Well with the window up you have the regulator fully extended, making it more difficult to wrestle out of the door panel. When you have it all the way down, it is foled up and will come out with less twisting and awkward angles. I don't remember the FSM procedure, it may be roll the window 1/2 down, secure glass, then roll the rest of the way without the glass in the regulator.

You'll need to lower the glass about 70% of the way down to remove the two 10mm bolts/nuts that hold the glass to the regulator.

It's a PITA but after you do it once or twice it gets easier.

I always fill the little gear box on the motor up with grease and grease every moving part I can on the regulator before I reinstall. Difference is usually night and day when it's all back together.

i just did my driver window yesterday. took me about 30min to change out the whole track and motor assembly.

there are 7-8 10mm bolts that need to come out first, then just lower the window a bit and the track will pop off. then there is one more 10mm that holds the track to the window.

Regulator
 

Thanks for the input guys. Has anyone had good experience with the aftermarket type regulators? Or, should I go with an OEM regulator which will cost me about 60 more bones.

Thanks,

Mark =)