replacing power window motor bushings

[The_Dude]

I bought these from latemodelrestoration.com. I read this blog. I was able to pull the quarter window motor out and get the pieces of the old bushings cleaned out. But, I can't for the life of me, get the new bushings in place with the gear. They seem just slightly too big. I put some grease on them and installed them on the gear, and tried to lower them in, but they just won't go. Has anyone else here been through this? Any other tips? Thanks!

 

[The_Dude]

I managed to get them installed by sanding them down, and then using a vice to press the gear assembly back together. I probably should have just bought a new motor to begin with.

 

[Onefine88]

I wish you'd posted something sooner that you needed these. I would have told you to use three 1/4"x20 nuts instead.
They are a perfect fit and install in place of the plastic ones. Would have saved you a few pennys.

 

[The_Dude]

I did do a search before buying the bushings. I thought about using the nuts, but the bushings looked like an easy and cheap fix, and the way Ford did it to begin with. I also asked latemodelrestoration about this. They said it's a tight fit, but they would work without modification. For me, it was too tight a fit to make it work without sanding them down some.

 

[jrichker]

You could have bought the plastic bushings (or rollers) at AutoZone. They would have fit without any rework and been cheaper too.

The window motor gearbox has 3 plastic rollers that are a safety clutch to prevent possible injury if the window is rolled up while something or someone is hanging out the window. The plastic rollers will often disintegrate into chunks of plastic and the window will no longer roll up or down. The motor runs, but the window does not move or only move a lttle.

The Help! section of your local auto parts store will have the replacement plastic rollers.
See NAPA Window Regulator Gear Plug

View attachment 177225

Napa p/n BalKamp 6651524

Cost is 9.49$

AutoZone and other auto parts stores see Dorman 74410 / Window Lift Motor Gear Kit
Cost is $7.99

 

[The_Dude]

You could have bought the plastic bushings (or rollers) at AutoZone. They would have fit without any rework and been cheaper too.

Actually I did, thinking they might be a better fit. They were exactly the same size. The only thing I can figure, is "I must be doing it wrong!". I bought 3 sets from LMR, just in case any of the other windows failed, and then I also have the set from autozone. If anyone wants a set, I'll mail a set to the first person to PM me with their address.