Car windows rely on a device called a window regulator to open or close. A window regulator is a device (electric or manual) that raises and lowers the window glass. It is usually installed in the space behind the door panel and fixed in place by bolts and screws. The space on the door allows the adjuster assembly to be inserted or removed.
From 1946 to 1948, Mercury and Ford Sportsman convertibles (with wood trim) were equipped with power windows on four windows. By 1951, both Mercury and Lincoln were equipped with power windows. These systems were used by other luxury vehicles (Emperor and Packard) until Chrysler introduced an all-electric car to run on the Empire in 1951.
The function of the window regulator is to allow the windows to be opened when needed and closed when needed. It can help the occupants of the vehicle lock in on weather changes, for example, or let in fresh air. In an emergency, the working regulator allows exit through the window. Properly closed windows can also prevent theft.
Window regulator parts
The window regulator assembly is composed of the following main components: drive mechanism, lifting mechanism and window bracket. Explain these next. Before that, check out this widget diagram, which points out the mentioned components.
Drive mechanism-This part provides the effort to move the glass from its position. It usually consists of a set of gears and a power source. The power source can be a manual crank or a small 12V DC motor. The window regulator motor is mainly specified by the speed and current rating. Another equally important window regulator specification is torque, which determines the ability of its operating components to lift parts.
Lifting mechanism-The lifting mechanism is the part that raises and lowers the window. It is usually a set of arms and sliders or cables and rollers. Most of the newer power windows use cables. The window regulator cable directly lifts and lowers the glass. Compared with the arm and gear assembly, it has its drawbacks.
Window bracket-The window rests on this part. When the lifting mechanism raises or lowers the glass, the bracket will move upward and follow the track shown in the animation video. The window lifter bracket must hold the glass firmly, usually using plastic clips. These usually collapse with age.
Broken window regulator clips are the main cause of glass falling out of the space behind the door panel. However, you can replace them and extend the life of the rest of the regulator assembly.
Window regulator type
The window regulators are divided into 4 main categories according to their operation mode and lifting mechanism. They are electric and manual window regulators and cable and scissor window regulators. Let us see what each one means.
Mechanical or manual window regulator
The manual window lifter uses a hand crank to operate the lifting assembly. The crank is usually mounted on the door with a short handle. These types of window regulators are usually used in older or low-end models.
The main advantages of manual window regulators are simple design and operation, and easy maintenance or repair. They are also cheaper and easier to replace. On the other hand, manual window regulators require hard work, which means that they are not very comfortable and convenient.
Electric or power window regulator
Power window regulators use electric motors to provide lift and use sophisticated electronic devices to control their operations. The motor is usually part of the assembly, although some are provided with the motor as a separate component.
The electric window regulator is convenient and comfortable to use. You only need to press a button and the window will automatically open or close. In addition, the mechanism allows a central control point. The disadvantages include many parts, which are also difficult to diagnose or repair.
Cable type window regulator
This type of window regulator relies on a wired system to raise and lower the windows. The cable rolls on a pulley or roller installed on the module. These regulator types are mainly used in newer cars and are usually powered by electric motors.
The pull-wire window regulator reduces the number of parts and leaves room for installing other components in the space behind the door panel. It is also lighter than other types. However, the cable tends to wear out too quickly during use, and sometimes even accidentally breaks, which is one of the main disadvantages of this type of regulator.
Scissor window regulator
The scissor car window regulator consists of a component that looks like a pair of scissors. Usually, two metal sheets cross each other at the pivot point in the middle. When the mechanism opens and closes to raise or lower the window, the arm slides on the wheels.
Scissor window regulators have many advantages. One of them is strong metal parts that are not easy to break. However, they take up the same amount of space compared to cable types. Although they are older technologies, power scissor regulators are now popular in many vehicles.
The cost of window regulators
The price of window regulators sold in the auto parts market is different. The price of most regulators ranges from $50 to $600. Other factors that affect the price of window regulators include the brand and whether the regulator is an OEM or aftermarket. After-sales options are cheaper, many cost less than US$100, while OEM models can cost as much as US$1,000.
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