Weird Noise in Sliding Rear Window

Hey all,

Had a quick question about the sliding rear window in our trucks. I’ve had this sound coming from the sliding rear window since the truck was new, and I’m not sure if it’s normal or not, or if there’s some sort of problem with the regulator. When I first bought the truck the window would actually stick in a certain spot, and wouldn’t open all the way. Felt weak. Added some spray lube which may have helped free it up a little bit. But still, every time I open the window, it sounds normal part of the way and then hits a specific spot and makes a weird grinding noise. Any ideas?

Upon reading the carfax I was given when I bought the truck, it said something with the rear window was repaired at some point by some shop. I don’t know if the window broke and they put a new one in, or if there was some issue with the movement of it, I don’t know.

I’m just wondering if any of your windows sound like this (I’m assuming not), but I’m just looking for ideas on what it could be or where I should look. Is it easy to take that big piece of plastic off behind the seats to gain access to say the regulator/cable or motor?

Thanks.

https://imgur.com/a/5uWsUcQ

 

That is not a normal noise. My power rear window does not have that noise. It sounds like there is something grinding on the track. Either it's dirty or a part is mis-aligned/broken, causing the grinding noise. The shop that repaired it didn't do it correctly or put in used/non-oem parts that have already failed.

 

Sounds reasonable. It seems like something with the mechanics of the window was tinkered with. Either they put cheap parts in it which failed like you said, or they just didn’t do it right to begin with. Maybe something with the cables/regulator?

 

Systems like this (track guides for power windows, antennas, etc..) usually use a plastic "chain" like system. They use interlocking teeth that pass over each other and operate the mechanism from opening & closing.

It sounds like a tooth is broken (or several) and that is causing the noise. But there are still enough teeth on the track that allow it to operate. Eventually it will grind enough teeth off and stop working. When that happens, you better hope it gets stuck closed and not open.

 

If I had to guess, there is something in the track. That would explain why the spray lube helped, but didn't solve the issue. Possible the rear window was broken and they failed to clean up all the pieces when they replaced the glass. IDK if you've ever had a car window broken, but you find shards and pieces for about a decade no matter how many times you sweep up and vacuum all of them.

 

Try blowing compressed air on the track and around the motor area. Sounds like something is in the belt area of the motor. Pull the pamel and have a look. My guess its dirty or has something in it.

 

I don't get any of that noise with mine....sounds like its rubbing on something.

 

defiantly sounds like something is wrong.
Maybe Captain Obvious, but I would not use it until I found the fix, I wouldn't want that thing stuck open, or tear it up more.

 

Update: After long enough, I found the time to take the rear window mechanism apart and I quickly found the problem. So I guess the window was broken at some point, because I saw broken glass all under the plastic storage trays. Originally I thought there might’ve been glass in the track like some of you said, but I was putting my ear to different parts while someone pressed the switch, and I found out that the noise was coming from the regulator. Took the regulator off the motor, and quickly found my problem. The cable guides in the wheel were completely shredded, I saw the plastic dust everywhere the second I took it off. Also dug grooves into the housing too.

I ordered a new window regulator, part number 69088-04010, which ran me around $43. Comes with a new regulator and cables which is good. My one cable end was really chewed up and twisted, the end that went into the wheel.

Pictures are below. Just placed the order for that and another part I needed, will update when I have the parts and put it in! Thanks!

Brooks

 

Wow, that would definitely be the source of noise.

 

Just maybe

I wonder how it happened though, I wonder if the shop who replaced the window may have taken it apart and screwed with it, and maybe lost some sort of piece inside the regulator causing it to grind. Or they could have dislodged a cable or put it in wrong, or the cable dislodged itself which seems rather unlikely. I just don’t think it happened itself, since it seemed like someone had to have messed with it for it to do that.

 

I wonder if this could of happened from trying to open a frozen rear window. I don't dare try to open mine in the winter now.