Preventive replacement of window regulator - here's why

[civdiv99]

A few weeks ago I came back from a vacation to find a back window sitting in the bottom of the door. Good weather and good neighborhood made this a non-event (it lives outside).

I decided to order new regulators all around. Murphy says if I just replaced them when something happened, next time it happened would probably be during a 50 mph rainstorm 120mi from the crib or something. Fool me once.

I'm not referring to the little mounting clips with the tabs that break off in the little hole in the glass; that's business as usual. I'm talking about the cable system.

The picture shows what looked like an ok unit as installed, and it's not until it's removed and the backside can be inspected that the imminent failure is apparent. When the cracked parts give way, "plop" goes the window.

These things are inexpensive, and if yours are many years old, heads up. Winter weather is a comin'.

[David.X5]

Good reminder. Thanks. I have been putting off my rears....

[Dking078]

Had one fail in a snow storm once, fun fun!

I replaced the passenger side ones, only have the drives side now... I should get on it one of these days.

[civdiv99]

Originally Posted by Dking078

Had one fail in a snow storm once, fun fun!

I replaced the passenger side ones, only have the drives side now... I should get on it one of these days.

I gave Murphy a call on your behalf. As Murph and I have gotten acquainted over the years, he sometimes takes my calls.

He says you are on the calendar for an inconvenient failure on a dark and stormy night.........

[Dking078]

Dam Murphy. I'll knock on wood every time I think about it, haha.

Even if you look at 'em the wrong way they will break.

[cn90]

I have a roll of packing tape (Scotch type) in the trunk lol...

For these cars, if you go on vacation and park at home or airport, I am thinking we should use the clear-type packing tape to tape the window. This way iof something happens, the car won't be vandalized or flooded with rain water.

Once you return from vacation, just remove the tape.

Or be paranoid and replace all regulator parts.
But I have to admit: I hate working with trim pieces (door panels etc.), once you remove something, the plastic just breaks lol...

[cn90]

PS: OK, you are talking about the "slider clips" in the other thread, is that correct?

[xbimma]

Another preventative trick: do not allow anyone but yourself to shut the doors (including your other half!). Be a gentleman just like momma said.
My point is X5 doors are heavy enough and combined with the weight of the glass, the plastic parts in the window regulator are more prone to fail if the door is consistently slammed shut.

[civdiv99]

Originally Posted by cn90

PS: OK, you are talking about the "slider clips" in the other thread, is that correct?

Probably. I'm not huge on the terminology, although I should be if I'm going to communicate effectively.

The other thread from not too long ago was primarily a compare and contrast of the URO replacement assembly with the original.

This thread was a, "Whaddya know, the other side was indeed following its twin on the road to perdition." Ok, that's a bit harsh.........

[puddinboo]

also don`t shut the doors with the windows down , its hard on those plastic clips , and possibly that part that holds the cables too.