Driver's Side Window Regulator bent

[Rainbow SportTrac]

Hi guys. I have a 2001 Job 1 Sport Trac. The driver side window started to act like it was out of the track and then it wouldn't go up and down at all like it was binding. So finally after almost a year of not using that window, my husband pulled the door panel apart and he found the regulator is severely bent. After trying to bend it back it was determined that we just need a whole new regulator.

MY QUESTION: When replacing the regulator do you guys recommend replacing the motor too? Is the motor made to fit the regulator or are they typically universal? If universal, and the motor is working, can we just replace the regulator?
Money is tight right now, so I would like to just spend the $36 on the regulator and not have to spend $86 on the whole set. BUT I don't really want to have to do it twice because the motor won't work with the regulator.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Rainbow SportTrac]

Any help is appreciated. I tried to get pictures but they are not real great because you can't get in the door with a camera LOL
This is from inside the door.

From the outside

It is rubbing against the frame

 

[Jeff Claxton]

Did you figure this out? I’m having the same issue. Now i have two bent regulators.

 

[JC2008SportTrac]

I don't know that motors are set to a 'regulator' as you're calling them. But, yes, I'd highly suggest replacing them with the whole $100 part as they die. It sucks, but you know it'll be good for another 150K+ miles. And the window will go up/down when you want it to.

 

[Tombstones81]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...erior,window+regulator+&+motor+assembly,15596
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2...dy_mechanical_-ar-_trim/window_regulator.html
(edit)
if you want to save more money.
Check your local "You Pull It" junk yards on availability & pricing

 

[EddieS'04]

Be sure to grease all scissor and moving parts on the regulator. Also when the windows start getting slow. The binding can cause warped components. When that happens, you should spray the track with silicone lube.
How close to the Florida coast?

 

[Jeff Claxton]

When I installed the new piece it bent as well. I am assuming it’s because I couldn’t install the new spring. Worked for a while without it but it has to be there. I have no clue how to install it by hand. Way too much torque for that. Had to order a new one with spring installed already. Will update when installed.

Update: Ordered a different regulator with spring already installed. If you are ordering one, make sure the spring is on it already! It was a bit of a task installing the motor on it since the spring is under so much tension. I would recommend ordering a complete unit with a new motor already attached just to avoid the headache. I did order new motors but didn't install them due to needing extra bolts which I didn't currently have. I ended up attaching the guides to the bottom of a dip bar I built just to have it mounted to something steady and open so I could work on it. Will give the new motors to the new owner of the trac now that it's for sale.