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Cable broke - rear window regulator

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Old 07-15-2007, 07:02 PM
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Default Cable broke - rear window regulator

...at least that is my BC Educated guess. Son put the rear window down (it was raining too, of course)... would not go back up. Can hear the motor running and what sounds like broken cable whipping around. Try to close the window...nothing... try to put it down more, it will catch it can go down. Managed to free up the window, manually pull it up and duct taped it closed.

Will I need to install a different regulator or has anyone been able to fix a broken cable? I've already pulled up the links to removing the door panels and modifying the plastic brackets...
Old 07-15-2007, 09:57 PM
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The cable doesn't generally break, it pulls loose from the anchor in the sled as the plastic cracks. You'll usually find the top cable caught in the guide on the top of the regulator. This is an old post by PontiacDad that has some good pictures of the problem.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=12270

If the cable is broken (not likely) you could see about picking one up at a bicycle shop, and have them attach similar anchors. Take the old one with you. In the meantime, in case the cable is not broken, don't try to raise and lower the window any further, or the cable will get some pretty good kinks in it making it harder, but not impossible, to put back together.
Old 07-16-2007, 10:41 AM
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Thank you for the great info (as always!). I'll have to tear into this bugger and see what'* up with it.
Old 07-16-2007, 11:33 AM
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Keep us posted on what you find.
Old 07-16-2007, 12:25 PM
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Tracy...

Git'er done and holler if you have questions.
Old 07-16-2007, 06:49 PM
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If the cable is broken (not likely) you could see about picking one up at a bicycle shop
That'* an interesting idea Archon. Have you had or heard of anyone having luck with something like this as it does look like bicycle brake cable? And if it'* the plastic piece which winds the cable (pulley housed within the assembly) that got mangled, has anyone heard of being able to replace that rather than the entire assembly? When my regulators went out a few years ago, I just bought new assemblies. I recall a link on rigging up a fix a while back, but that may be assuming good cable.
Old 07-16-2007, 06:55 PM
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Code:
new install. http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AF...9415/124770452 

repair. http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=97 

repair is a lot cheaper and most have had success with it.
Got these links from Gumball (recent post). Be careful reseating the water deflector real good.
Old 07-16-2007, 11:49 PM
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In some discussions, I've referred people to bicycle shops who have had mangled or kinked cables. The cables (or similar) aren't very hard to find, but the anchors are. Doing some searching, I found similar ones being used on bicycle brake cables. Whether anyone has tried it, I don't know.

I've repaired some with pretty badly mangled cables, as well as one where the reel was pretty chewed up. They both have been working fine. I have yet to find anyplace that sells individual parts. A junkyard would be the best bet.
Old 07-17-2007, 12:32 AM
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I'm in the same boat. Got the window regulator out, I just need to make the bracket (hopefully tomorrow at work).

Great guides to fix this problem by the way. The dealer I talked to wanted $534.94 to fix it (354.52 for the part and 180.42 for labor).

Have most people had their window regulators fail during use? Mine failed shortly after my sister slammed the car door.
Old 07-17-2007, 10:51 AM
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The failures are random, from what I've read, regarding the usage. Some folks never use the windows, others do. Some break during actual usage of the windows, others do just by going down the road.

Your sister'* slaming of the door just accelerated the inevitable. Don't beat on her too hard.
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