window motor removal? Cavalier

Put window all the way up. Tape it in position. Pull inner panel. Connect new motor and test to make sure it works. Drill out the rivets that hold the old motor to the regulator. Pull motor away from regulator, lower and remove under the regulator. Place new motor in position, bolt or rivet in place (depends on the hardware in the kit). Reconnect it and remove the tape. Cycle the window a few times and spray a bit of DRY lube on the rails. Install the inner panel and enjoy.

... It looks like the motor is riveted to the regulator, so I'll just take the whole thing out. If anything more interesting shows up, I'll report back.

you can purchase the motor with or without the regulator. Much cheaper for just the motor.

right. but i'd still remove the regulator and grease the heck out of it. they get sticky over time, and that increased load burns the motor. the new one won't last either if it's confronted with the same situation.

It's just a hunch but I suspect many window motors (and perhaps regulators) are damaged by slamming the door. -----

- gpsman

IMO I think a lot comes from holding the button too long when the window gets to the top or bottom.

Maybe all the newer plastic and cable ones. Not the beefy all metal ones like in the OP's 2004 Cavy. IMO, of course. GW

Hole a slot car stationary for ten minutes and see if the motor is worn out when you let go. It's not. GW

FWIM, slamming doors is not an issue. The motor works a bit, then overheats. After it cools, it runs for a while again. Same thing when it's outside the car. IIRC, I ran into some URLs saying this was not uncommon.

And, WRT the original question: taking out the regulator is the only way to change the motor. Not a big deal; I wasted more time trying to avoid doing that than it took to actually take it out. A lot of things are like that.