3D Printed Window Regulator Clip

[jac]

So I ordered a few clips last time I had to fix the window regulator, which was for one of the front windows. Now one of the rears broke but the clips seem to be different between the front and back. So I figured, I am gonna create my own model for the rear clip, 3d print it and let's see how long it lasts...

Find it here: https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints...ip-51357011680

[Purplefade]

Print that sucker out of something bomb proof so that you don't have to get back in there again - great idea, as long as it's better than the original.

[jac]

Originally Posted by Purplefade

Print that sucker out of something bomb proof so that you don't have to get back in there again - great idea, as long as it's better than the original.

Hahaha... Yeah, those were my thoughts exactly as I was printing the thing.

[bnfaustin]

Originally Posted by jac

So I ordered a few clips last time I had to fix the window regulator, which was for one of the front windows. Now one of the rears broke but the clips seem to be different between the front and back. So I figured, I am gonna create my own model for the rear clip, 3d print it and let's see how long it lasts...

Find it here: https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints...ip-51357011680

I love the design and idea of 3D printing the clip. After watching a YouTube video, I simply went the route of:
- Buying a set of license plate holder screws (with the plastic square backer),
- Breaking off any remaining “nut holding” tabs on the old clip, and
- Replacing the all metal OEM bolt/nut with the license plate version.
It will press fit the old clip into place and go through the hole in the window and lock in using the plastic square nut. $1.25 for a pack of 4 at your auto store did the job when I replaced the regulators on 2 of my windows.


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[jac]

Originally Posted by bnfaustin

I love the design and idea of 3D printing the clip. After watching a YouTube video, I simply went the route of:
- Buying a set of license plate holder screws (with the plastic square backer),
- Breaking off any remaining “nut holding” tabs on the old clip, and
- Replacing the all metal OEM bolt/nut with the license plate version.
It will press fit the old clip into place and go through the hole in the window and lock in using the plastic square nut. $1.25 for a pack of 4 at your auto store did the job when I replaced the regulators on 2 of my windows.


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Please do share the video you found on YouTube that uses the license plate holder screws! I assume it was in the video you found... If that's a better approach I will probably just do that the next time this thing breaks! :-)

[bnfaustin]

Originally Posted by jac

Please do share the video you found on YouTube that uses the license plate holder screws! I assume it was in the video you found... If that's a better approach I will probably just do that the next time this thing breaks! :-)

[mention]jac [/mention]Here is the link to the video showing the $2 fix for the window clip replacement with off the shelf plastic license plate holder screws: https://youtu.be/JwFFd7OJGaI

[jac]

Thanks for the video link. The piece that is clipped off is intended to take most of the pressure from the regulator bracket when closing the window. But he is installing it backwards anyway so now the entire stress is on the plastic insert and the plastic clip... Who knows, that could be better than the original design.

[jac]

And... it broke. It lasted just over 3 years, not bad for a PETG printed part. I really thought it would only last 6 months. Below is a photo of the failed part.

As expected, it broke on the sections with weak adhesion.

The failure caused the window to detach from the carrier and fall down. However, the carrier itself is still good, that is, the pulley wires are NOT mangled, so that's a small win. Lol

Ok, now... do I take the trip to the store to buy the license plate stuff and macgyver the fix so, or do I 3d print the same exact design again, but this time using nylon?!

Since the break occurred along the adhesion lines, I don't think nylon will help strengthen the part there. I am gonna have to go watch that license plate video again...

[X5chemist]

Originally Posted by bnfaustin

[mention]jac [/mention]Here is the link to the video showing the $2 fix for the window clip replacement with off the shelf plastic license plate holder screws: https://youtu.be/JwFFd7OJGaI

It's the video I used for my mod. The plate holders have been working for 3 years. The square part inserts tight into the black clip. Be careful not to over tighten the screw! I broke one! Luckily, I had spares.

[jac]

I reprinted the plastic bracket and did some testing/observation on the mechanism as one raises/lowers the window. That led me to the conclusion that the problem with this darn thing is that when the window is raised, the clip is under a bit of pressure because the bottom of the window tilts slightly away from the bracket, so the metal nut ends up ripping apart the rounded clips off the bracket.

So... I designed and tested a few different brackets, and I think I have arrived at a new bracket (plus new bolt and nut) that should last longer. I don't think this one needs to be exceptionally strong, so I just used ABS. We'll see how long it lasts! :-)