I think I broke a window clip!

[zzyzzx]

I rolled down the right rear window and when I went to roll it up, I heard something break. I can push the window back up with my hands, and it stays up, but I put some tape on it. When I use the switch, it's trying to work.

Would I be OK assuming it's a window clip and buying the parts or should I take it apart first to determine exactly what's wrong?

Can the parts be bought locally or is this a mail order part (or so expensive locally that I wouldn't want it)?

Do these things come in pairs or do I buy them one at a time?

I see different types of replacement window clips, does one work better than the other?

Some ebay auctions say that it's for a particular side, some say one fits all places???

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSCN2413.JPG

OR is it this one (Autozone calls this a "window guide":

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31I9pSETtAL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Or do I need this set:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_window-sash-kit--gm-2005-92-dorman--help_9110180-p?searchTerm=window#fragment-3

BTW, I hate Dorman, but given how crappy the OEM part is this could be an improvement.

Then there is the glue I should use??? Do I have to buy a big tube of window weld? That stuff is expensive and I only need a little bit of it Will JB Weld work?

Another thing, I don't think that window has been used even 10 times. The car only has 34K miles on it. Is that a record for a broken window part here?

If I can buy the stuff locally, I assume that I can do this after work?

From what I have read elsewhere, I heat gun should make removing the broken clips easy enough. Correct?

[zzyzzx]

Just found this:
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g268/streetboutique/vxclipinstall.jpg

[zzyzzx]

Crap! It's not the window clip. It's the other plastic piece that holds in the end of the (for lack of a better term) bicycle cable.

[rustyballs_69]

Do they even make replacment guides for the rear windows?

[MMGT1]

Ill try to remember to look it up for you tomorrow at work. If I find it Ill post you a part number...

[zzyzzx]

I bought Dorman 45348, but clearly it's the wrong part and now way will it work. I'm going to try to reassemble what I can and use a piece of wood to hold the window up until I can get the right part.

This is definitely not the right part!!!!
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31I9pSETtAL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I do not see how this clip can help at all, It does not fit into the track. It does not look like anything that is in there now.

I guess Dorman strikes again!

[zzyzzx]

The part that is bad is where the plastic clip hold in the "knot" in the regulator cable. And I have already broken it off so that I can take it apart and maybe see how this stupid thing is supposed to fit, but it doesn't.

[zzyzzx]

The regulator in question looks like this:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_power-window-regulator-and-motor-assembly-dorman--oe-solutions_22146160-p?searchTerm=window#fragment-1

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/wcsstore/CVWEB/staticproductimage//1262/large/22146160_dor_741815_pri_larg.jpg

[zzyzzx]

Rant: The factory service manual doesn't tell you how to remove a rear window regulator!

I now have a piece of a 2" x 4" wedged in there and held in by 4 tie bands to keep the window up. At least this way I can drive the car and not be concerned about the window falling down again!

[zzyzzx]

ACDELCO Part # 22683776 $106.79 + shipping from Rock Auto

http://www.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imageurl=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.whisyste ms.com%2Fsmartpages%2Fpartinfo_resize%2FDCL%2F2268 3776_Primary.jpg&imagekey=1153495-0&width=450

Or should I get
VARIOUS MFR Part # GM1551104 {#22730702} $54.79 + shipping
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1024754

Or on Amazon:
ACDelco 22730702 Oldsmobile/Pontiac Rear Passenger Side Window Regulator Assembly, w/Motor
http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-22730702-Oldsmobile-Passenger-Regulator/dp/B0010GC3GC/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Make=Oldsmobile%7C51&Model=Alero%7C566&Year=1999%7C1999&carId=002&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=automotive
$81.13 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping


http://www.amazon.com/Power-Replacement-Passenger-Window-Regulator/dp/B002UVHUDM/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1342629256&sr=1-3&keywords=alero+power+rear+right+window+regulator
Power Replacement Rear Passenger Side Window Regulator
Sale: $61.44


or eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alero-Grand-Am-Sedan-Power-Window-Regulator-w-Motor-Rear-RH-Right-Passenger-Side-/110741295514?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Model%3AAlero&hash=item19c8b2119a&vxp=mtr
$52.25

[zzyzzx]

Do they even make replacment guides for the rear windows?

According to Dorman, yes, but reality suggests otherwise. After reviewing various pics, I think the answer is no.

[zzyzzx]

This person here (shultze)had the exact same problem and also could not figure out how to use the Dorman part
http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142016

[rustyballs_69]

According to Dorman, yes, but reality suggests otherwise. After reviewing various pics, I think the answer is no.

Yeah I'm pretty sure the whole regulator has to replaced. I don't think you could get the guides out or in for that matter with out breaking them.

[zzyzzx]

Yeah I'm pretty sure the whole regulator has to replaced. I don't think you could get the guides out or in for that matter with out breaking them.

That is correct and I do have a new window regulator on order.

[zzyzzx]

OK, this thing is held in by 6 bolts. 3 brass colored ones and 3 brownish green ones that are longer than the brass colored ones. I assume that the shorter ones hold in the regulator part and the longer ones hold in the motor mount?

[rustyballs_69]

Pretty sure your right. I haven't had the rear regulator out in a long time.

[zzyzzx]

I just put it in. Yes, the shorter bolts go into the regulator part and the longer ones hold in the motor mount. I left the panel off for now because I want to drive the car and make sure it doesn't rattle before I put the panel back on.

[zzyzzx]

The left rear window regulator broke on Sunday (Aug 12th), or about 3 weeks after the rear right did.

[zzyzzx]

OK, I now have a definite answer on the short vs long bolts. You use some on each side. The regulator uses 2 short bolts and one long bolt. The motor uses 2 long bolts one one short bolt. The odd ones are the ones with the red arrows pointing towards them in this pic:

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/9666/alerolrdoor008wtext.jpg

I.E. - The brownish-green looking bolts are the long bolts.

[zzyzzx]

The offending broken window regulator plastic piece looks like this:

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6586/alerolrregulator002.jpg

[sleepyalero]

yeah they tend to brake after awhile. had one on my door break, i did a temp fix with some medal wire, it worked for a bit then wore out and broke again. so i just went to a junk yard and got a whole new set up

[zzyzzx]

New ones are cheap enough on eBay. In the three weeks since my last one broke the price has dropped by around $10!