Auto Glass: Drivers Window, chrysler concord, metal brackets

Question
1998 Chrysler Concord drivers (power) window will go down. push the button to go up and it goes up crooked. The rear of the window goes up and starts to tilt forward, the front starts upward and then it seem like the whole window moves forwards and the rear ends up higher than the front. I can pull the window rearward and push the button and it will go up and fill the hole, and stay put. Did I break a window clip? Can it be fixed at home? I like to tinker with stuff, and learn. Thanks John

Answer
Hi John,

The problem you describe is fairly common with this series of Chrysler sedans.  

There are two metal brackets glued to the door glass.  Those two brackets are used to attach the glass to the window lift mechanism (the regulator).  The brackets themselves are made of two pieces of metal which are glued together. (yes, "glued" - very stupid) What has happened is that the two pieces of metal on the front bracket have separated.  So, now the front portion of your door glass is no longer attached to the window regulator.  That is what is causing the glass to tilt forward when you try to raise it.

Because this is a common problem, I have developed a procedure for removing the remainder of the broken bracket and installing a substitute bracket.  I wouldn't recommend this solution for you, because it is not an easy task unless you have had lots of experience.  Furthermore, Chrysler will not sell you a replacement bracket.  You would have to go to a glass specialty supplier to find an alternative bracket.

My suggestion is that you purchase a used door glass from your local salvage yard and just replace the glass.  It is a bit more expensive than just replacing the bracket, but a lot simpler.

If you have any questions about door panel removal or glass replacement, feel free to send me a follow-up.

Good Luck, Ben ..... the power window guy.