Land Rover Repair: electric windows - 97 disco, rubber gasket, door latch

Question
The front passenger side window on my LR Disco is broken.  The motor still runs when pushing the button but the glass seems to be disconnected from the mechanicals that drive it.  How hard is it to take the door appart myself to investigate this and is there any documentation out there showing a diagram of how to disassemble it myself?  There has to be a easy way, right?

Answer
Hello Renee,

This sounds like your window glass has slipped out of the rubber lined glide arm.  You'll have to remove the armrest; unscrew the inside door latch; remove the door speaker; carefully prise around the door panel using either the proper tool OR a large flathead screwdriver.  Be careful not damage either the panel or scratch the metal door.  

Go slowly and carefully around the panel with your tool.  Lift the edge a little at a time then move an inch and lift again.  The panel is held on by ribbed plugs and they do break if they are forced too quickly.

Once the panel is off, you may find a plastic moisture barrier that is taped to the metal door.  Remove this and try to keep it clean.

Once the panel is off, you'll notice the large cavity that exposes the window assembly.  You may have to lift up the window to see if the rubber gasket is separated from the window frame arm assembly.  IF SO, have someone hold the window while you re-insert the rubber gasket.  

Carefully lower the window into the frame assembly insuring that the rubber is on both sides of the glass.  This why prevent metal from touching the glass and causing all sorts of problems.  That rubber acts like a cushion and prevents the delicate glass edge from unknown stress and forces.

I have noticed that older Disco's have troubles with this window assembly.  Water ingress rusts out the arm and the eroding metal forces out the rubber gasket.  IF this is the case, you'll have to replace the assembly.  Your local LR dealer will have the part and it is not that expensive.  I know, I replaced mine two years ago!

Test out the window a few times BEFORE you put everything back in its original place.  Once you are satisfied, just reverse the procedure.  

NOTE:  When you remove the speaker from the door, remember the order of the connectors.

Clean out any rust and gunk you see in the bottom of the door cavity.  It could come back to haunt you later.

Best of luck,

JohnMc