QuestionQUESTION: Just read your response from 4/4/2010 about a 2004 Toyota Highlander window track problem about the regulator guide jumping the lift channel. I believe have the same problem with the lift channel on the rear passengers side. The the same thing happened on the passengers side lift channel. When I took the panel off I noticed the lift channel had fallen off the bottom of the glass. I realized after repeated attempts that I wasn't going to get it back on the window without getting the window out, and I think I found the solution in you response. I think I will give it a shot. Any recommendations/tips on the run channel procedure. Where should I place the lift channel on the glass when I go to replace it? I don't want to put it to far to either side and have the same problem like the other window. And what kind of adhesive would be best?
I am surprised no one has a YouTube video for this procedure. Plenty out there about regulator replacement.
ANSWER: Hello Ronald,
If you look closely at the bottom of the glass there is typically some sort of mark that shows where the rubber gasket was before the metal channel came off. Another technique that will help: lower the glass and secure it about 3/4 of the way down, then operate the window regulator and watch the end of the arm pass the bottom of the glass, mark a spot on the glass about 1/2" to the left of the where the arm passed. If you mount the left edge of the channel on that spot you should be okay.
Any quick drying two part epoxy should work fine.
Send a follow up question if you think of anything else.
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QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply. Hopefully I will be able to do this on my own.
Before I tackle this I want to be sure I don't get in over my head. Do I need to remove the regulator to make this whole procedure work? I believe I have found the 2 screws that secure the run channel. One is on the bottom outside edge of the door and the other is at the top on the inside. When I loosen these will the run channel have to come out? doesn't seem like I would be able to do that, based on it's length. Also should I have the window all the way up before doing this? I image I will have to rotate the window 90 degrees to get it up and out of the window opening. And I imagine I will slide the lift channel on from the side once I have the glass out.
AnswerHi Again Ronald,
The job is difficult for someone without experience. Let me offer you an alternative method that is much easier. You won't need to remove the run channel or the glass.
1. Determine where to install the channel on the glass as described above.
2. Remove the regulator/motor from the door. (Remove three 10mm bolts & electrical connector)
3. Position and secure the glass so that you can work at the bottom edge.
4. Glue the rubber insulator to the bottom of the glass - let dry.
5. Use a large flat blade screw driver or similar tool to widen the opening of the metal run channel. Test fit the channel on the rubber insulator at the bottom of the glass. It should be tight enough to stay on, but not so tight that it requires lots of force to install.
6. Now, glue the metal channel to the rubber insulator at the bottom of the glass and let dry.
7. Re-install the regulator/motor being sure to put the guide at the end of the regulator arm into the metal run channel before re-mounting the regulator. You may need to adjust the position of the glass as you do this.
This procedure is not "Factory" but it does work. Let me know what else I can do to help.
