Window Maintenance (W124)

[Crazy_Nate]

Hey guys,

I've got two [power] windows that slow down throughout the range of operation (near the top, they're slower). The other two don't work, period - that's a problem for later!

I'm going to take the doors apart and lubricate the tracks, but I haven't found much info on what type of lubricant to use for that.

I've got several things at my disposal, and I can run over to the parts store to pick up anything else if it's highly recommended. Short list: spray silicone, white lithium grease, WD-40 (not really a lubricant...).

Any recommendations or things to look out for? I suppose the lubricants will be different depending on which part of the track it's concerned with (rubber or metal).

Cheers!

[aka"thedude"]

NAPA has a product called sil-glide, great stuff I use it on every thing that needs good lubrication that wont break down but grease it to messy for. Check it out it should do the trick.

[Diesel911]

See the DIY for cleaning the Switches on the Windows that do not move at all.

If the ones that do not move are a front and a back window but are on opposite sides of each other; actually pull the Fues out and check the contact areas.

On my 123 I found that the rear Window Regulator Frames were bent/distorted and that caused the Regulator Gear Teeth to wear out badly and were binding things up.
The Teeth on the Window Motor Gear must be extremely hard as they had no wear.

I have never seen the Front Regulators yet as they have caused no problems.
Note: On the 123 Rear Door Panel there is a single screw conceled under a plastic cup type thing under the Finger Lever you pull to unlatch the doors.

[tbomachines]

I've heard that they recommend the same grease that is used on the sunroof rails. I don't have a source, but know I've read that before on the forum here.

[Renntag]

Nate, Thanks for getting this started. Last night as I put the windows up in the W124, I heard the jeopardy song in my head....I thought about what maintenance would be appropriate.

I cant imagine that MB shipped the windows with lube in the channel that the window travels up and down in. Are new channel inserts available?

[babymog]

Clean the old gummy grease, that's what is slowing them down.

Apply new grease, that is what prevents wear.

Lithium grease is what I've been told, but what is in there looks more like wheel-bearing grease.

[lorainfurniture]

I have used lithium grease in the spray can.. It works really well. Its been over 2 years with no "jeopardy" window

[Crazy_Nate]

Awesome

I used the white lithium grease on the drivers side window. It's a definite improvement. There was a lot of thick "chewy" grease in the tracks.

The rear windows will have to wait. I've already cleaned the switches, and I tried known working switches (and the door switches). Both rear windows do not work. I'm skeptical to condemn the regulators, as if they're similar to the front, they seem pretty beefy. I'm thinking wiring...but, that'll have to wait for another weekend.

Thanks for the responses, I knew this problem isn't isolated to me

[babymog]

Don't forget that there is a worm-gear in the "regulator", it needs grease too.

[Crazy_Nate]

Originally Posted by babymog

Don't forget that there is a worm-gear in the "regulator", it needs grease too.

What's the easiest way to get at it?

I have to take the door panel off later to reglue it anyway

[teezer]

i've heard that the later 124s had stronger motors and would double the speed ~~~ anybody confirm this??

on my 300ce, all the windows are slow, compared to other cars that i've ridden in

[babymog]

My '87 and my '95 have the same speed windows.