When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am normally on the Ranger forum, but am posting a question for a friend with an explorer.
It's a 1994 4x4 Explorer, 4.0, Auto, Eddie Bower Package.
He has some power window issues, took it to a shop and was told he needs a motor for one window and a regulator to fix another one. Ok I am stupid on this issue, I don't know if the regulator is for all the windows or there is one for each so please excuse my ignorance on this. In any case he was able to find the window motors but has been unable to find the regulator. Do any of you guys know where to purhcase a regulator from? Also is it better to purchase new motors verses the remanufactured ones? Thanks in advance for the help -
The regulator is the part that makes the window go up and down. It will consist of a railing assembly and a cable and pulley with a gear to allow the motor to drive it. When I had to change the left rear one in my '92 (probably the same as your '94), I could only find it at the dealership and it was around $80 as I recall. It took me a couple of hours to change and the biggest aggravation was that it's held in with rivets. The rivets had to be drilled out, and new rivets put in with the new regulator (they don’t come with the regulator). Also it takes ¼ inch rivets, which can be hard to find. As to the motors, I can't say, I haven't done that yet. I'd probably make the choice based on price differential and warranty.
Thanks for the reply Jerry. I should have added he went to a dealer about the regulator and was told they do not carry them any more for his year model explorer. He found new and remanufactured motors through Napa I beleive but they could not get him the regulator, I was just asking about the new or remanufactured motors to see what others experiences were with them, in any case thanks for the info.
I'm pretty sure Ford still has these regulators. I checked a couple years ago and they could order them but more like $160 each - just the regulator and no motor. And of course my luck, both the rears went out at the same time.
eBay saved the day. After several months I found 2 new ones for $25-$30 a piece. With all the effort to change these things, I would not recommend a used one. If it fails in 6mo's, you'll be at it again. I don't think there is a way to rebuild the regulators. There is a pretty tricky little push-me/pull-me cable spool at the center of it. Mine just wore out and this thing broke in several spots. You can't buy these spools seperately.
Yeah, drill out the rivets. Must be 8 or 10 of them per window. I replaced them with M-6 nuts/bolts. It helps to have skinny arms to get in there. No real easy way to do it...no tricks to teach. Just get in there and rip into it.
I will have my friend call another dealer, maybe it was just the dealer he went to, but they told him they didn't carry parts for cars over 10 years old??? In any case I will pass on the info, thanks for the help -
I would definitely check other dealerships. Sounds more like an individual dealership policy. Like others mentioned, it's probably also worthwhile to check EBay and all your local parts houses. Looks like I'm gonna be checking on motors myself (but for a Mustang not an Explorer).
In looking for a motor, I've found these guy's in Florida http://www.windowmotor.com . I don't know anything about them yet, but they say they have regulators as well.
You can get a new regulator and motor at just about any parts store. The regulator is available through ebay, RockAuto, etc. for under $40. The motor is priced between $60 and $70, for a rebuilt at Advance Auto, depends on which side you need.
Those rivets generally are just replaced with stainless steel bolts, nuts and washers. The nuts that lock with the plastic liners are used. Replacing the rivets with rivets makes this R&R more difficult than necessary.
You can get a new regulator and motor at just about any parts store. The regulator is available through ebay, RockAuto, etc. for under $40. The motor is priced between $60 and $70, for a rebuilt at Advance Auto, depends on which side you need.
Those rivets generally are just replaced with stainless steel bolts, nuts and washers. The nuts that lock with the plastic liners are used. Replacing the rivets with rivets makes this R&R more difficult than necessary.
Good luck.
Well I think you are wrong. I never saw any OEM window regulator available at a typical auto parts store and I did work at one. If you have at all looked for this particular item you will not find it readily available for $40. I got lucky on eBay for a cheap item but that is not typical. And who would use SST hardware in a "general" replacement sense? I find this point particularly amusing since I am constantly hounded about the availability of SST hardware. I have certain sources and SST is really not that rare...but it is really not that common to boast such a post.
Well, since this is America, think whatever you want. As you can see, I mentioned a place where you can get a new regulator. Did I say it was an OEM, no, since any nitwit knows you can get one from a dealer. If you want to pay dealer prices, be my guest.
Stainless steel nuts, bolts, and washers are available at Lowes. Ever hear of them. The price is nominal. Try adding value if you're going to post here.
Well, since this is America, think whatever you want. As you can see, I mentioned a place where you can get a new regulator. Did I say it was an OEM, no, since any nitwit knows you can get one from a dealer. If you want to pay dealer prices, be my guest.
Stainless steel nuts, bolts, and washers are available at Lowes. Ever hear of them. The price is nominal. Try adding value if you're going to post here.
Whatever goof ball. The fact is you can not go to any parts store and get a window regulators for a 1994 Frod Explorer. You clearly stated that a regulator is availble at such places and this is simply not true. I don't think this I know this as absolute fact.
So yes, I do add value by indicating where missinformed individuals misstated the facts.
As far as the SST fastners...sure Lowes carries them, some of them, but why SST for this application? Do you drive your truck under water or something? Having people go hunt down stainless fasteners for this application is pointless...guess that was my point.