I was aware of several issues with my '89 XJS before I handed over the cash. Waiting on parts for priority issues, hoses, belts, etc. Thought I would investigate the issue with the passenger side window regulator. Although the 2X4 served it's purpose well, I removed it and discovered the regulator motor needed attention. Basically, the back of the gearbox popped off allowing the gearing to fall out of the housing. Reassembled with a new bushing, original was long gone, and we're back in business! Believe I'll get better fuel economy now as I won't be hauling around that 2X4.

 

Upon installation into the car and attempting test the window goes down ok but fails to go up. It is cocking the glass and jamming. With the regulator removed, I can manually raise and lower the glass successfully so I am satisfied that the tracks are ok. Looking at the pics, is there something missing? Does the coil spring help the window going up or down? I referred to the service manual but cannot find a remedy.

 

Those square case motors from the 87-89 period are terrible. My estimation is that once it goes cockeyed, it shorts the motor in that spot and isn't repairable.

 

Not wanting to spend for a new/used motor, I disassembled the one I have. Full of crud, old grease, etc. The commutator was very dirty but not worn much. The pic is AFTER initial cleaning. There was significant debris between the comm segments I cleaned out with a utility blade. The brush holder was the same. The brushes were stuck and their spring action was nil. After thorough cleaning and reassembly the bench test proved much better than before. Installation in the car proved the fact that one must "play" with adjustment, shifting stuff, loosening and tightening fasteners in different patterns, etc. It is not perfect, but it works for how we intend to use the car. Cheers!

 

Good job, looks scary to me.
I have one window the goes up a bit slow, is this what you would recommend doing?

 

I agree... Damn good job, and brave...

There are so many folks doing so much good stuff on the sites I belong to,,, I'll just say it makes me grateful to be a part AND to be privileged enough to y'all's worked for experience... Jus say'n

 

Duke,

Just a thought; It's not a definitive assessment, but if the window goes up slowly all the way, you MIGHT be looking at a problem with the motor / regulator. Whereas if it goes up normally, then goes slow for a while, then speeds up at the end, you're more likely to be looking at a problem with distorted guides.

Cheers

Paul

 

Although my window now operates very well. It did stop working the other day after a couple cycles up and down. I checked it out tonight and it works fine. I know the electric circuit has breakers instead of fuses so I'm guessing one tripped and took awhile to reset. Basically all I did besides the bushing was clean stuff up and reassemble with a very moderate amount of lube. Now I'm gonna pull the drivers side and clean it up as well.

 

Duke
Start by spraying silicone lube on the fur runners. Then use the window regularly, not 50 times at once, but a couple of ups and downs every time you get in the car.