Car window winder handle

How to detect the window winder handle failure

Checking the part serviceability is fairly easy. As a first step, you have to hold its rotating part and check for freeplay between its components. An increased gap suggests that the part will soon fail. Then you need to try to open the window. If the handle turns too freely, but the number of turns required to completely lower or raise the window has increased, it means that the splines on the handle or the winder gear drive shaft have worn out.

Mechanical damage, well visible at examination, also indicates that the part requires replacement.

You may identify that the window winder handle has to be inspected by the following symptoms:

• the handle spins without activating the mechanism;
• when you try to open the window, you can feel freeplay;
• there is a rattling in the component location;
• the window moves only one way: it either rises or lowers.

Causes of the window winder handle failure

The splines abrasive wear is one of the most frequent window winder handle failures. Typically, it occurs due to low quality of the part, in particular, if the part is produced from too soft plastic. To prevent premature part failure, it is preferable using handles with a special reinforcing insert. They are more resistant to abrasive wear.

The handle or drive shaft splines wearing down may as well occur due to the guides skewing, the electric motor failure, dirt accumulation or ingress of foreign objects between the glass and the door so that you have to apply more than usual force to open the window.

The fasteners attaching the cylindric part of the winder handle to the lever may break down because of excessive force applied, in particular, when trying to open a frozen window, or due to careless usage.

Replacement of the window winder handle

The part is not repairable. You need to replace it in case of a failure. You can easily install new handles by yourself. Use the following instruction:

1. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the washer and the retainer clip
2. Release the clip and pull it out.
3. Dismantle the handle from the gear shaft.
4. Take off the washer.
5. Clean the mounting seat on the shaft from dirt.
6. Install a new washer.
7. After installing the handle, turn it several times to provide a better grip of the spline connection.
8. Install the retainer clip.