Rear Window Motors

[SurfinCR]

So a long while ago i posted up how to rebuild the rear window motors to get them running again. i have one leftover that i am going to do a bit of work on that should make sure it doesnt have a problem again for a long time. If it works i'm tempted to offer the service to folks on here (rather deal with a nice group of people on the forum then take a chance any where else). but i'm wondering how often do these motors actually fail? and would it be even worth offering the service? i know a major issue is generally the switch.

i may also try my hand at the window motors if i come across a dead one someone is getting rid of.

 

[dyeager535]

I've owned/driven a K5 since 1995 (constantly, all electric windows), I've had one rear window motor fail.

I don't think they fail often, but if mine were to fail I think I'd be interested in making sure it didn't happen again. I would imagine that something that allowed the motor to put more power to the mechanism would be as valuable, if not moreso, than reliability. I have no confidence in the aftermarket anymore, unless it's a GM piece, I doubt the rebuilds will last anywhere near as long as the OEM did/does.

FWIW, I've had at least three issues with the wiring to the motor (under hood connector and the safety switch in the tailgate) in that same time.

 

[SurfinCR]

thats what i figured, i may offer the service of getting them running again but i dont think i will invest too big into it.

in both rebuilds i did the weak point on the motors seems to be the seals, once they go they allow water to get in and start to rust the stator causing it to contact the coils. in rebuilding other starters i have found that the high end motors that tend to sit outside have the stators and wires coated to prevent corrosion and to even prevent water from ever causing a problem. i've done this to an 1950's starter and it actually ran like new again. it spun incredibly fast and has been working great for the last 2 years.

i think have someone test one and see what happens

 

[dyeager535]

I don't believe people tend to think about how important the window seals are...obviously with bad seals even humidity would eventually cause problems, but water dripping into the tailgate certainly wouldn't help. It does off the top of my head that the motor is in about the right place to get water on it if the seals leak excessively.