Anyone know if you can buy just the window "guide", Help! Options

[wilc4]

Ok - I figured out the problem with the rear passenger power window on my 1996 Celica GT-S convertible, there are three white, plastic, round guides that keep the window in three tracks as it goes up and down. One of my guides is broken (the front one). As a result, the window will go up and down but you have to put your hand on it to sort of hold it in place, otherwise, the remaining two guides get off kilter and the window goes up askew and jams.

I am hoping I don't have to buy the whole window assembly to fix this problem, especially since it appears that the only way to replace said window assembly is to take of the entire rear exterior quarterpanel (no access from the interior that I can see).

I am hoping they see these little plastic guides somewhere or that someone knows of something else I can use to improvise...

Anyone know anything?

Thanks!

[dgbldr]

I am hoping I don't have to buy the whole window assembly to fix this problem, especially since it appears that the only way to replace said window assembly is to take of the entire rear exterior quarterpanel (no access from the interior that I can see).

I am hoping they see these little plastic guides somewhere or that someone knows of something else I can use to improvise...

Anyone know anything?

Thanks!

You need to take the glass out. It requires some skill, but it all comes up through the slot. Glass, track, motor, regulator, everything. One at a time. Yes, it's very tight and it takes a while.

You cannot replace just one wheel with a used one. It will crack when you try to press it off the shaft. The shaft is riveted to the plate, so you cannot replace the wheel and shaft together unless you're capable of grinding the rivet head off and welding the shaft back in. It's easier to just order a new plate with the wheels on it.

A broken wheel is usually caused by some damage or misalignment. So when you replace the wheels/plate, you want to take the track out and check it very carefully for any deformation or damage. Then clean it and re-grease it. Here is the general procedure:

Open the top
Take out the back seat and interior quarter panel, speaker and a couple other bits
Take out the 2 upper glass stops
Loosen the track assembly nuts so you have some wiggle room
Move the window up and down to a point where you can access the bolt/nut that hold the glass to the motor link
Disconnect the motor link
Carefully wiggle out the glass straight up and slightly forward. You might have to unhook the rubber seal from the door jamb.
Undo the nuts and slide the track assembly out
Disconnect the electrical connector, bolts and slide the motor/regulator out

Pretty much everything in there has the bare minimum clearance to get it in and out. It helps if you have small hands and thin arms

Edit: If your window jammed more than once, there is a good chance that one or more track channels are bent. It doesn't take much. Check it really well.

This post has been edited by dgbldr: Jul 1, 2009 - 11:39 PM