QuestionI have a 2001 Ford F150 CrewCab and, due to ice jamming the window, the drivers side window became detached from the metal clips that are attached to the two regulator 'scissor' arms. These clips (2 each)are about 2" wide and have a slot that the bottom of the window fits into. I have managed to slide the window back into the slots, but every time I move the window up and down, the window separates from the clips. I noticed that the clips had silcone adhesive poured into the slots. I am assuming that by cleaning the old adhesive and using new silicone, taht this might fix this. What do you think??
AnswerHi Bob,
This is not an uncommon problem. I have made this repair many times.
Here is an outline of the steps I follow to make the repair.
1. Remove the glass mounting brackets from the regulator. Be sure to pay attention to which one is "right" and which one is "left."
2. Use a drill bit just slightly larger than the slot in the bracket to clean out the old adhesive from the the bracket. I suggest you hold the bracket with a locking plier or put the bracket in a vise while you clean it.
3. I recommend that you remove the glass from the door. You will find this easier if you remove the 10MM bolts that hold the bottom of the metal "run channels" that guide that front and back edges of the glass as it slides up and down inside the door. (Note: if you decide that removing the glass is more work than you think you can handle, you can still make a good repair, but it will be a little awkward due to lack of room.)
4. As soon as you remove the glass, carefully mark where the glass brackets should be installed on the glass. If you don't get the brackets glued back on exactly where they belong, it will adversely effect the operation of the regulator. Once you have carefully marked the glass, clean the area where the brackets will be installed using a fine sandpaper or emery cloth.
5. Once you have the brackets clean and the glass clean, "test fit" the brackets on the glass without using any adhesive. Adjust the width of the slot in the brackets so that the brackets are snug, but not so tight that you have to use a lot of pressure to install them.
6. Select a two-part epoxy adhesive that is compatible with metal and glass. Coat the inside of each bracket with thin layer of epoxy. Put some additional epoxy on both sides of the glass as well. The epoxy should "ooze" around the edges of the brackets as you install them on the glass, but don't use so much epoxy that it makes a mess.
7. After the epoxy has dried, you can put the glass back in the door and re-attach the glass to
the regulator.
Let me know if there is anything else you have any questions about.
Ben ... the power window guy
