Land Rover Repair: Discovery window mechanism, toothed wheel, panneling

Question
TD5 1999 Auto GS. I opened the driver's door electric window and as it finished its travel there was a hellish clattering noise as though the exhaust had fallen off. The door glass is now sitting mutely inside the door and declining to respond to the switch.

I have taken off the door lining. I notice that the mechanism bolts are slightly loose. Looking into the door from above - seal removed- I can see a large toothed wheel.

The car is sitting in the street. Any ideas on what i could do to fix this?

Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Ed,

that toothed wheel would be the gear mechanism used to raise and lower the glass.  You can try to repair this yourself, however, it is difficult and the small space make it very awkward.

Here's what another owner had to say about this problem:

"I ordered a new winding mechanism without the motor (£65) and then fitted it. If you have time then I would suggest taking the door panneling and plastic off and then unbolting the mechansim and then pulling it out through the bottom of the door. It is not difficult but fiddly and I would recommend marking where each bolt went as there are a fair few and lots of drilled holes in the door panneling causing some confusion! The motor is held on with 3 bolts, these can be unbolted and the motor put to one side. The metal mechanism is fairly simple in build and can be checked for damaged, if it is bent or if some of the welded parts have failed. On my window mechanism the complete large gear that is operated by the motor came off and the window dropped down and that was the end of that!"

In the meanwhile, I think you can prop up the window with a narrow piece of wood.  It will secure the glass and the vehicle while you consider your options.

Best of luck,

JohnMc