can anyone help me with the proper proceedure for removing the drivers side power window motor in a 1988 e150 van? or would you know of a link that i could use.
thanks larry perkins

 

I did this once. Had to replace the gears in the motor gear box. I don't recall any real difficulties (remove panel, drill out rivits, unplug, remove) until it came time to reinstall. Ford uses those honker big pop rivets that 99% of us don't have a tool for, and that take extreme muscle to install.

I ended up at a dealer to get them put back in.

 

Prop the glass up with a piece of wood so it won't fall, and be in your way. Drill out the pop rivets. I used 1/4" X 3/4" stainless steel hex head bolts with star washers instead of the big pop rivets on replacement. Never had a problem.

 

Mustang 5.0,

I have an '89 E350 that needs to have the gear kit for the drivers electric window motor replaced. I'm confused, CHILTON says to drill out the dimples with a 1/2" bit. However when I inspected where the holes would end up, they didn't seem to line-up with any screws that CHILTON says engages the motor to the drive and regulator. You say to drill out the rivits. It looks like that would drop the whole window assembly. Is ther any way that I can pull the motor/gears without dropping the whole mess?

 

I have an '87 E150 van and didn't have to remove any rivets. I just bought a rebuilt motor from the parts store.

As I recall the power window/lock switch had to come out, the door handle, and some other screws. Once all that was out of the way there were 3 bolts holding the motor in place. Of course the window wants to drop down when it's removed though I don't recall it being in the way of the removal in the lowered position.

 

Just did mine last week , drill out the 3 rivets, unhooked window from slider held it Window up with a wooden wedge between glass an inner door frame , unplug motor wires, turn an twist an said a couple swear words pulled motor an reg. assy outta door, remove 2 small screws that hold motor to reg. an reinstall, used 3 , 1/4"by 1" machine screws an nuts with a dab of locite on the threads, Window works like

 

The motors can usually be repaired just by taking the gear assy apart, cleaning it out, and dropping in 3 each 3/8" diameter ball bearings. The ball bearings can be purchased at most hardware stores.

If the motor is held in by bolts it has been replaced before.

 

Hey Gang,
My E350 had 4 riviets, Used duct tape to hold glass in up position. Drilled out riviets. Dropped regulator gear with arm. Took apart motor/gears. Aha, the problem was the gears were chewed-up. Bought a gear kit, $22.99 from Schuck's, Replaced riviets with 1/4X1/2 #20 Stainless bolts, and the deed was done. Thanks to everyone's input.
Zig