Auto Glass: 2007 Higlander Rear Windows, bottom of the glass, higlander

Question
QUESTION: ben-

my wife's 2007 highlander is having window problems.  both the back windows have come off the track in the last month.  on both windows, i was able to take the door apart and loosen the window motor bolts to get the square nylon slider into the track on the bottom of the glass.  but this fix lasted only a short time before both windows kicked off their tracks again.  my question:  when this repeeatedly happens, is it a case of the square nylon slider wearing out, or has the track at the bottom of the window maybe shifted toward the front of the door?  i am inclined to beleieve the latter as the slider comes right up to the back end of the track when the window is operated.  assuming that it is the track that has moved, what is the best way to get the track slid back to where it is supposed to be?

thanks-

jon

ANSWER: Hi Jon,

You are correct, the metal channels on the bottom of the glass have moved forward allowing the square plastic guide on the end of the regulator arm to fall out of the channel.  I have dealt with this problem in two ways.

In some cases I have been able to slide the channel back into position using a "pry bar".  The position of the glass, the length/type of pry bar, and the condition of the channel will all determine whether or not this will work for you.  If you do succeed in moving the channels this way, add a bit of glue to the rubber "insulator" where it is exposed at the front of the channel.  This should keep the channels from sliding forward again.

If the pry bar method doesn't work for you, you can remove the channel from the bottom of the glass and then widen the opening ever so slightly so it is easier to reinstall the channel.  Once you have the opening of the channel adjusted, apply a light coating of glue to the inside of the channel before you reinstall it on the rubber insulator at the bottom of the glass.

Feel free to send a follow up question if you need any additional information.

Ben ... the power window guy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ben-

thanks so much.  glad to know i am heading in the right direction.  

i have a quick follow-up question:

if i do need to go with your second method, how is removing the track from the window glass best accomplished?  the track is pretty tight on the glass from what i remember.  also its pretty close quarters in there...not a lot of room to get your hands in.

any suggetions?

thanks again-

jon

Answer
Hello Again Jon,

Neither method is easily accomplished since you have so little room to work.  On the other hand, removing the glass from the door is even more difficult, so just be patient and move the glass up and down as needed to get the proper angle on the channel using a variety of "prying" tools you have access to.  Whatever you do, please be careful not to put much force on the glass.  

Let me know how it all works out.

Ben ... the power window guy