window regulator issues

[Doc Ford]

I am surprised that there aren't others on here with regulator issues (other than one post that I saw back in 2006). I have a 2004 Ford F-150 which I use mainly for commuting to and from work. I live in Alabama so the summers get incredibly hot (something that I am NOT used to being from Montana!). Last year, I was driving to work and without touching anything, my window just fell down into the door. I had to take a day off of work because I could not lock my vehicle and I didn't feel right leaving it alone. When I brought it to the dealership, they told me that I needed an entire new assembly costing me $243! Then, just the other day, my family and I were taking a trip out to see the ocean and the passenger window fell down! I already know how much they are going to try to charge me at the dealership so I am seeing if I can replace it myself.

Has anyone else had this problem with the window regulators? I have seen similar problems on other forums like Edmunds and Carcomplaints, but not here. PLEASE, offer me some assistance!

[dfordski]

Seems to me there is a track mounted to the bottom of the window. There is an actuator arm that raises & lowers depending on which way the regulator tells the motor to turn. There is a post on the end that a nylon grommet slides onto, held in place by a retainer clip. The grommet slides back & forth in the window track. When the grommet wares out, it pulls out of the track & the window drops. There is an inspection port at the bottom of the door for the repair once you remove the door skin. Pick up a new grommet at Ford (@$2.) I rate this a 1 beer project (<45 mins.) Did the regulator come w/ Vaseline the last time, or was that extra?........ We've all been there! By the way, you guys in Alabama still pissed of at Neil Young? (I might be dating myself.If the question makes sense, your pushing 50.)