Auto Glass: Power Window will only go up and down part way, metal snips, chevy suburban

Question
Hi Ben, I have a 97 Chevy Suburban. I'm having issues with the driver side window.  When I push the bottom it will go down about 1/3 of the way and then stop and make a loud clicking noise over and over, like a machine gun.  It does the same thing on the way back up. It seems to go up fine and then once it reaches the top it makes the same noise.  If I put force on the top of the window as I roll it down, I can get it to go all the way down. However, when you go to roll it up, it only goes about half way and then the machine gun sound comes back and it gets stuck. If I grab the window and pull up, I can get it to go all the way back up again.  It sounds like something it out of line. Can you give me your thoughts? Is this something I can fix myself?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Chad,

The symptoms you describe are evidence of a failed gear inside the head of the window lift motor.  The motor must be replaced to solve the problem.

Replacement of this motor is not easy, especially if you don't have the proper tools* and experience.  Send me back a follow up question with a description of your mechanical skills/experience and the tools you have available.  If I think you can handle it yourself, I will give you some "how to" advice.

* "left" & "right" metal snips, heavy duty drill, 1/8, 1/4 & 3/8 drill bits, large rivet gun

Ben ... the power window guy