Stripped Window Regulator Motor?

roverzfan

Member
Nov 7, 2006
22
1
Florida
So I hit all the threads on window regulators and motors but didn’t see what I am currently experiencing. 1998 Discovery. Drivers side window.
  • Get in the vehicle, put the window down just fine.
  • Get home, press the up switch - and I hear the motor spinning endlessly but no movement.
  • Press the down switch, motor stops accordingly.
  • Press the up switch motor spins, no movement.
  • Pull window regulator - as expected 2 blown plastic guide wheels.
  • Order new window regulator - assuming busted guide wheels are the problem.
  • Install old motor on new regulator.
  • Bench test and motor operates regulator. Clearly motor has torque based on the way it kicks when engaged.
  • Install regulator in door.
  • Press the up switch - motor spins, no movement.
  • Press the down switch - motor spins, no movement.
  • Pull regulator and motor.
  • Separate motor/gearbox from regulator.
  • Separate motor from gearbox. Motor is a worm gear. Plenty of torque when engaged.
  • Place screwdriver where worm gear goes and block drive wheel.
  • Grab pinon gear and can turn with fingers - not easy but don’t need pliers either.

So has anyone ever experience a “blown window regulator gear box”? I just want to make sure I’m not missing something before going and ordering a new motor.

Any other tests?

Thanks.
 

pinkytoe69

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2012
1,689
182
minnesota
I had this on a D1 as well.

IIRC, there is a rubber donut or something which connects the motor to the gear.

That will wear out and it will seem like everything works fine when there is no load but will just have the gear spinning with load.

Pretty sure you'll need to get a new motor assembly.
 

mlnnc

Well-known member
Mar 23, 2008
266
31
Charlotte
My truck is a DII, but I had a similar problem four years ago. My thread is linked below. Read to the end of the thread. Bottom line --- you'll probably need a new window motor.

 

discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,706
1,015
Northern Illinois
If you can find a thread that robertf did a few years ago you will understand better what's wrong with it. I think he made the part with a CNC machine and fixed his original motor.