Spdrcer34
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- March 14, 2002
- Messages
- 3,873
- Reaction score
- 13
- City, State
- Bremerton, WA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1992 Explorer XL
Replacing the Window Regulator, I cut off my thumb!!! (X-rays inside)
Over the last couple years, I have had my fair share of problems with the windows in my Explorer.
I had problems with the manual windows.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126672&highlight=window
So I converted to power.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144430&highlight=window
I had problems with the power windows. I had problems with the front windows, and I had problems with the rear windows.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187537&highlight=window
In my latest post about windows, I asked for a regulator, and motor set-up, but ended up buying all new parts on eBay.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189455&highlight=window
Well, the motor arrived on Monday (7/2), and the Regulator arrived on Tuesday (7/3). I didn't have to be at work until 1pm on 7/3, and I know I can get the old assembly out, and the new one in, in less than 20 min.
I get the old one out, and notice the new motor does not come with screws to attach the motor to the regulator.
I need to remove the screws from the old motor/regulator assembly.
REMEMBER...the regulator is in the 'window down' position, meaning the spring is wound as tight as it ever will be in this application.
As I got the last of 3 screws out of the assembly.....
....the assembly violently snaps back, releasing the energy stored by the spring, and catches my thumb just barely above the cuticle of my thumb nail. The force was great enough to not only cut my skin, and nail clean through, but it actually cut my bone into 2 larger pieces, and left about 50 smaller bone framgents in my finger. The ONLY thing that kept my thumb in tact is the small piece of skin on the 'pad' of my thumbprint area.....everything else was cut through and through..... I went to the hospital via ambulance, the doctors were able to re-attach the thumb with temporary sutures (psuedo sutures) to keep blood flowing to the tip, and to prevent infection...but NOT enough to actually STOP the bleeding totally, and seal up the wound..
I have an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon on Monday....
So this is just a reminder to all you guys out there that "have done this job before, I know what I'm doing".....I have taken apart the window regulator assembly at least 20 times before. I KNEW BETTER...I Needed to have pair of vice grips on the assembly to prevent that from happening. BUT I DIDN'T. I should have had my fingers clear of the assembly. BUT I DIDN'T. Usually if you have only done 1 of those 2 things, and you will be okay....but in my haste, I did NEITHER!..
SLOW DOWN...TAKE YOUR TIME...DO IT RIGHT
Take care,
Ryan
Over the last couple years, I have had my fair share of problems with the windows in my Explorer.
I had problems with the manual windows.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126672&highlight=window
So I converted to power.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144430&highlight=window
I had problems with the power windows. I had problems with the front windows, and I had problems with the rear windows.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187537&highlight=window
In my latest post about windows, I asked for a regulator, and motor set-up, but ended up buying all new parts on eBay.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189455&highlight=window
Well, the motor arrived on Monday (7/2), and the Regulator arrived on Tuesday (7/3). I didn't have to be at work until 1pm on 7/3, and I know I can get the old assembly out, and the new one in, in less than 20 min.
I get the old one out, and notice the new motor does not come with screws to attach the motor to the regulator.
I need to remove the screws from the old motor/regulator assembly.
REMEMBER...the regulator is in the 'window down' position, meaning the spring is wound as tight as it ever will be in this application.
As I got the last of 3 screws out of the assembly.....
....the assembly violently snaps back, releasing the energy stored by the spring, and catches my thumb just barely above the cuticle of my thumb nail. The force was great enough to not only cut my skin, and nail clean through, but it actually cut my bone into 2 larger pieces, and left about 50 smaller bone framgents in my finger. The ONLY thing that kept my thumb in tact is the small piece of skin on the 'pad' of my thumbprint area.....everything else was cut through and through..... I went to the hospital via ambulance, the doctors were able to re-attach the thumb with temporary sutures (psuedo sutures) to keep blood flowing to the tip, and to prevent infection...but NOT enough to actually STOP the bleeding totally, and seal up the wound..
I have an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon on Monday....
So this is just a reminder to all you guys out there that "have done this job before, I know what I'm doing".....I have taken apart the window regulator assembly at least 20 times before. I KNEW BETTER...I Needed to have pair of vice grips on the assembly to prevent that from happening. BUT I DIDN'T. I should have had my fingers clear of the assembly. BUT I DIDN'T. Usually if you have only done 1 of those 2 things, and you will be okay....but in my haste, I did NEITHER!..
SLOW DOWN...TAKE YOUR TIME...DO IT RIGHT
Take care,
Ryan