Questions about Ford window motors.

[Lonesome7.3]

The window in our 96 F250 would not go up yesterday. Today I removed the door panel and pushed the button. I could hear the motor trying to work. I then smacked it with a body hammer and it started working again fine. I removed the motor and hooked it to a battery and it sounds good and works. Normally I would just replace it to be safe. However, we are under a serious budget restraint at the moment. I would prefer to find a reasonable alternative. Is there something I can do to “freshen” up this motor? If I lube the regulator real well would it make a difference? This is the first window motor I have worked on in years. SO I may need some reminding about a few things.

 

[txab]

Did you take the gear cover off and inspect the window regulator and gear plugs. The plugs are designed to break if the motor/window should get into a really bad bind. These plastic parts also just age and can cause problems

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I expected soemthing like that to be the problem at first. But two things make me thing other wise now.

1. the motor worked again afte I smacked it with a hammer. just like when you have to smack a starter that is going bad to get it to work.
2. this motor is different then the motors I have worked on in the past. I am trying to find a photograph of oen so you can see what I mean. I do not see the plastic gears like I have before.

 

[Texas Jim]

if it has brushes... I would say it has a bad place on the commutator...
Sand it lightly and clean the grooves...

 

[PenguinLTZ]

if it has brushes... I would sat it has a bad place on the commutator...
Sand it lightly and clean the grooves...

Exactly. There should be contacts as well that can be cleaned up.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I just cleaned everything. I will get some photographs posted so I will know what you all are referring to.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

These are the parts out of the truck and cleaned.

 

[txab]

You asked about freshening up the motor. That's why I suggested looking at the gears. It may need lube in the case. Yes, you found the problem with your motor having a bad spot. But while you have it out, I'd look and lube if necessary the worm gear.

I had an '87 Lincoln that acted the same as yours. Thought it was the motor, but found out the gear inside had cracked and would occasionally bind against the side of the motor case. Whacking it a hammer would free it also.

BTW, replacement motor assembly can be had for $26 shipped to your door

 

[~$t3v3-o~]

Had the same issue on my 97. I read that if you pull it out and whack it against your tire or with a rubber mallet then it'll work for a while longer, but your motor is on its way out. Something about internal gears grinding together and causing dust of some sort. I tried it and it works like a charm! Done it 2 more times actually.. I'd say its about time for a new one though.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

Where did you find one for $26?

This one does not look as though I can take it apart. Is there something I am missing?