Window regulator rivets

[Number4]

I’m needing to service all four window motors. What rivet tool have you used to replace the rivets?

And possibly, what rivets.

I see there’s a Dorman kit, but it’s pricy compared to individual rivets.

 

[410Fortune]

I use a grinder and a punch to make short work of the rivets
Grind the head flat and punch the center through

Harbor freight sells a large rivet gun and large aluminum rivets, fit perfectly
You can also use stainless nuts bolts and lock washers or nylock nuts instead of rivets…
That way it’s easier next time

 

[SofaKing95]

I’m needing to service all four window motors. What rivet tool have you used to replace the rivets?

And possibly, what rivets.

I see there’s a Dorman kit, but it’s pricy compared to individual rivets.

Drill and punch to remove.
I usually use a bolt & nylok nut for replace.

This is worth a watch for 02-05



Below for 91-01

 

[bwryan]

I guess I'm confused. On my '94 I've replaced both window motors (it's a 2dr Sport) and that required drilling out the dimpled spot to access one of the bolts, but I didn't need to punch out any rivets or otherwise mess with the regulator. Is this a 4dr thing, or is this an alternate approach to drilling out the dimple? The OP didn't say which of their Explorer's this was for but since he posted to the 1st gen forum I assume it's the '94.

 

[SofaKing95]

1994 (front)

Removal

1. Raise the window to the full-up position, if possible. If the glass cannot be raised and is in a partially down position, it must be supported so that it will not fall into the door well during motor removal.

2. Disconnect battery ground cable.

NOTE: On vehicles equipped with EEC, when the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the EEC processor relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles or more to relearn the strategy.

3. Remove door trim panel and watershield.

4. Disconnect window motor connector.

5. Position the motor wiring harness out of the way. There are two holes and one drill dimple located on the door inner panel adjacent to the motor.

CAUTION: Prior to motor removal, make sure that the regulator arm is in a fixed position to prevent counterbalance spring unwind.

6. Remove the three window motor mounting screws and disengage the motor and drive assembly from the regulator quadrant gear.


Installation

1. Position the motor and drive to the regulator and install the three screws snug, not tight.

2. Connect the motor wires at the connector and cycle the glass to ensure gear engagement. After the gears are engaged, tighten the three motor and drive attaching screws to 5.6-9.6 N-m (50-84 in-lb).

3. Install the door trim panel and watershield. Refer to �Section 01-05B�.

NOTE: Appropriate plug buttons may be installed to cover the exposed hole at the trim panel edge, if necessary.

4. Connect battery ground cable.

5. Check the drain holes at the bottom of the doors to ensure that each is open to prevent water buildup over the motor.

 

[SofaKing95]

1994 (rear)

Rear Door Window Regulator Motor​

In the event of a window regulator motor failure with the glass in a down position such that the bottom of the glass is below the motor and drum housing, the regulator cannot be serviced as outlined in the previous procedure.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.

NOTE: On vehicles equipped with EEC, when the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the EEC processor relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles or more to relearn the strategy.

2. Remove door trim panel and watershield.

3. Disconnect power window motor wire from wire harness connector.

4. Remove three rivets securing motor assembly to inner panel.

5. Align motor screws (square drive, tapered screws) with holes in inner panel and remove three screws.

6. Remove motor bracket from door.

7. Using a screwdriver, pry housing and drum off of the motor.

8. Remove motor and pull glass to upper position to allow for more working room.

CAUTION: Glass may move downward suddenly and quickly. Make sure glass will stay in upper position.


Installation

1. Install new motor onto housing and drum.

2. Start the lower screw on motor first, but do not tighten. Leave approximately one-quarter inch between screw head and motor.

3. Slide motor bracket onto motor and the lower screw.

4. Align holes in motor with bracket and install remaining two screws. Tighten all three screws.

5. Align bracket with inner panel and install rivets.

6. Connect motor wiring, and battery ground cable.

7. Check window operation.

8. Install watershield and trim panel.

 

[Number4]

I watch one video where they removed the rivets and installed new ones. I was wondering if bolts would be an issue with regulator movement.

‘94 four door. Pictures is passenger rear.

 

[SofaKing95]

I watch one video where they removed the rivets and installed new ones. I was wondering if bolts would be an issue with regulator movement.

‘94 four door. Pictures is passenger rear.

View attachment 463783

see my post #6...immediately preceding your #7 pic post

 

[Number4]

see my post #6...immediately preceding your #7 pic post

So just three of the rivets it appears.

 

[410Fortune]

You run the bolts from in to out and then cut any extra length off with a grinder so the door panel will fit

Or just use rivets instead of bolts

I usually use stainless bolts washers and nylock nuts