🔧 Rear Window Regulator - Replacement

The rear door window regulator is the mechanism that raises and lowers the glass. If the window is slow, crooked, stuck, or making grinding noises, replacing the regulator usually fixes it.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours per rear door

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting. This helps prevent accidental window movement.
• Support the glass any time the regulator is removed so it does not drop and crack.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Door edges and glass edges can be sharp.
• Do not press the window switch while the regulator is disconnected.
• Replace one side at a time if both rear windows need work. This keeps the process simple.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 8mm socket
• Ratchet
• Extension bar
• Phillips screwdriver
• Trim panel removal tool
• Flat trim tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Painter's tape
• Torque wrench
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear window regulator assembly - Qty: 1 per affected rear door
• Rear door trim panel clips - Qty: 1 set
• Moisture barrier adhesive or tape - Qty: 1
• Window motor - Qty: 1 if replacing the motor with the regulator

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Lower the rear window slightly if it still works. That gives you better access.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Have painter's tape ready to hold the glass in place.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear door trim panel

• Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove visible screws from the rear door panel.
• Use a trim panel removal tool to release the retaining clips around the panel.
• Lift the panel upward with a flat trim tool to unhook it from the window ledge.

Step 2: Disconnect switches and cables

• Use needle-nose pliers to disconnect any cable clips if equipped.
• Unplug the electrical connectors by hand.
• Set the panel aside where it will not get bent.

Step 3: Remove the moisture barrier

• Use a flat trim tool to carefully peel back the moisture barrier.
• Keep the barrier clean so it can be reused or resealed later.

Step 4: Secure the glass

• Raise the glass fully by hand if needed.
• Use painter's tape to hold the glass to the door frame.
• Do not trust the old regulator to support the glass.

Step 5: Disconnect the glass from the regulator

• Use an 8mm socket and ratchet to remove the bolts or fasteners holding the glass to the regulator.
• Support the glass with one hand while removing the final fastener.
• Leave the glass taped in the up position.

Step 6: Remove the regulator assembly

• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and extension bar to remove the regulator mounting bolts.
• Disconnect the window motor electrical connector.
• Work the regulator out through the service opening in the door.

Step 7: Install the new regulator

• Position the new regulator inside the door opening.
• Start all mounting bolts by hand first.
• Use the 10mm socket to tighten the regulator bolts evenly.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs) for the regulator mounting bolts.
• Reconnect the motor electrical connector.

Step 8: Reattach the glass

• Lower the glass carefully onto the regulator clamps or brackets.
• Use the 8mm socket to tighten the glass fasteners.
• Torque to 7.5 Nm (66 in-lbs) for the glass fasteners.
• Remove the painter's tape only after the glass is secure.

Step 9: Test the window

• Reconnect the negative battery cable.
• Use the window switch to run the glass all the way up and down.
• Check for smooth movement, even travel, and no grinding noise.
• Stop if the glass tilts or binds.

Step 10: Reinstall the door panel

• Press the moisture barrier back in place.
• Reconnect the electrical connectors.
• Hang the trim panel on the upper window ledge first.
• Press the clips in with the trim panel removal tool.
• Reinstall the screws with the Phillips screwdriver.

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✅ After Repair

• Cycle the window several times to confirm smooth operation.
• Check that the glass seals evenly at the top.
• Listen for clicking, scraping, or popping noises.
• If your window has auto-up/down, hold the switch fully up for a few seconds to relearn the stop position.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$700 per rear door (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$220 per rear door (parts only)

You Save: $270-$480 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.