Window opening/closing is sticky

[deejay1272]

Hi all,

I'm having trouble opening and closing my windows in my '85 Tercel. It feels like something simply needs to be lubricated inside the door. Does anyone have experience with this problem? Any tips?

Thanks,
Dan

[Petros]

yes, this is normal for older cars. Pop the door panel off (several screws, the crank handle clip and than a lot of spring clips), and spray all the moving parts with carb cleaner to get the grit out, blow that out or wait util dry than with lithum dry lube, spray the window tracks with silicone. That should solve the problem for another 20 years or so.

[takza]

Take your time and be careful of the plastic clips that hold the panel on...they can break. I used gear oil and bearing grease...and lubed everything that touched anything. As for the tracks...WD40...since it dries to a wax? Good idea to adjust the tracks and tighten all screws.

[Highlander]

You might also check the window seals- The ones in the wife's '85 have a habit of pulling down as you roll the window down, and then not going back into place. I use my hand to pull it back into the corner, then things are better- I need to adjust the window tracks though, that should help out lots.
Just a suggestion.

[deejay1272]

Thanks all for the tips on how to get my windows to move properly again. I spent a while today fixing them and discovered that all 4 windows had major problems. Mostly, the rubber track that the guides the glass as it move moves up and down was off twisted and dirty. I lubed everything that moves inside my door and now things work wonderfully! I have windows that glide up and down, door locks that smoothly lock and unlock and door handles that actually work without tugging and pulling on them. Nice.

[Snax]

Same goes for tired slow sun roofs too! Mine works like new since I lubed it.

[deejay1272]

op the door panel off (several screws, the crank handle clip and than a lot of spring clips), and spray all the moving parts with carb cleaner to get the grit out

Special note on removing the window crank handle clips - you have to use a rag in order to remove this clip properly. Start by wedging the flat side of the rag between the crank and the door - rotate as if buffing a bowling ball. You should be able to remove the clip with a few seconds of moving the cloth back and forth. Now go fetch some lube and get to work.

Ps - the repair manual has a description of this as well. It's under the body (BO) section.