Window regulator lube - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

75C10 · 01-27-2016, 08:38 PM

I am working on installing power windows in my 86 c10 and have a few questions. My motors seem to work but should I replace them with new / reman anyways (precautionary or preventative maintenance). Cost is not an issue. If so should they be reman or new (NAPA). Second I have cleaned up the regulators and they operate smoothly but need lubrication. What kind of lube? The original lube was hard and full of dirt. Probably normal after 30 years. The wheels only rotate with some force but not much different than the new regulator I have in stock (LMC). It seems to me the windows would work smoothest if the wheels rolled easily but is this realistic? The channels are lubed so they will slide okay I presume. I have done this upgrade before but there have been issues with operation over time and I hate to take it apart a second time.
Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Darwin

krazy_texan · 01-27-2016, 10:02 PM

I've always just used white lithium grease

75C10 · 02-01-2016, 08:18 PM

Thanks Krazy Texan,
I have answered my own question by testing the motors and decided new life time warranty replacements were best at $50 each CDN (thats like $12 US - just kidding not quite that bad). I removed the motors from the regulators and plugged them back into the wiring that is sitting on my bench top. They didn't operate equally in rpm in both directions and they were different rpm to each other. Plus one motor made sounds not audible in the second. It doesn't make sense to risk using them. I want my windows to work smoothly and if the motors don't sound great then it will only get worse when reassembled.

White lithium grease still seems like the best lube. I thought it my have changed over the years as we used to use it eons ago.

Still no answer on the rollers. Are regulators designed to have the rollers "roll" or is sliding motion more the norm.

Darwin

slotard · 02-01-2016, 08:23 PM

It seems unlikely that they'd spend the extra money on rollers if sliding was adequate but I've never played with one. I need to open up my manual doors and see what it takes to get it working better.

01-27-2016, 08:38 PM	#1
75C10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 161	Window regulator lube I am working on installing power windows in my 86 c10 and have a few questions. My motors seem to work but should I replace them with new / reman anyways (precautionary or preventative maintenance). Cost is not an issue. If so should they be reman or new (NAPA). Second I have cleaned up the regulators and they operate smoothly but need lubrication. What kind of lube? The original lube was hard and full of dirt. Probably normal after 30 years. The wheels only rotate with some force but not much different than the new regulator I have in stock (LMC). It seems to me the windows would work smoothest if the wheels rolled easily but is this realistic? The channels are lubed so they will slide okay I presume. I have done this upgrade before but there have been issues with operation over time and I hate to take it apart a second time. Any inputs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Darwin

01-27-2016, 10:02 PM	#2
krazy_texan Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Des Moines, Ia Posts: 3,233	Re: Window regulator lube I've always just used white lithium grease __________________ Krazy Texan My Trucks are made with Wrenches not Chop Sticks 1967 GMC 3/4 ton "Johnny Cash" 1990 v1500 suburban 1967 Ford f100 Swb 4x4 "green bean" GOD BLESS JESUS, JOHN WAYNE, AND THE ALAMO

02-01-2016, 08:18 PM	#3
75C10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 161	Re: Window regulator lube Thanks Krazy Texan, I have answered my own question by testing the motors and decided new life time warranty replacements were best at $50 each CDN (thats like $12 US - just kidding not quite that bad). I removed the motors from the regulators and plugged them back into the wiring that is sitting on my bench top. They didn't operate equally in rpm in both directions and they were different rpm to each other. Plus one motor made sounds not audible in the second. It doesn't make sense to risk using them. I want my windows to work smoothly and if the motors don't sound great then it will only get worse when reassembled. White lithium grease still seems like the best lube. I thought it my have changed over the years as we used to use it eons ago. Still no answer on the rollers. Are regulators designed to have the rollers "roll" or is sliding motion more the norm. Darwin

02-01-2016, 08:23 PM	#4
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Re: Window regulator lube It seems unlikely that they'd spend the extra money on rollers if sliding was adequate but I've never played with one. I need to open up my manual doors and see what it takes to get it working better. __________________ 1973 C20, 350/350



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