replacing plastic rollers on rear window regulator.

[hobiesbestfriend]

Wondering what people have done to replace the plastic wheels/rollers once they have disintegrated completely. I have nothing but rivets right now and will be replacing the window track so want to finally fix all the other things. Was debating some plastic wheels from a closet or drawer slider and rivets or bolts. Wondering if anyone has found a successful fix?

 

[toy4xfun]

that is a great question!

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Never time to do it right always time to do it again..... The originals lasted 2XX,XXX miles and 20 years, but lets put some chincy closet door rollers in there.... That'll work!

Go find some Toyota Parts, weather they are brand new or used...

 

[hobiesbestfriend]

lets put some chincy closet door rollers in there.... That'll work!
Go find some Toyota Parts, weather they are brand new or used...

While I agree in principle, this may be one of those situations that has no "Genuine Toyota Parts" solution. As I'm sure you know, the rollers are riveted onto the arms which are riveted onto the window regulator assembly. I wasn't aware these were a part that was available from Toyota, let alone how to properly mount them if they were. Everything else works fine and is in great condition and as such spending money to buy an entire new/used setup seems wasteful.
On the flipside, I can buy heavy duty roller hardware that is meant to support much heavier loads than a 4Runner window and possibly rivet or bolt/weld/grind myself a very good replacement piece for little money. It might not be Toyota, but not seeing any other options out there, I figured I'd inquire. Here's hoping to be corrected.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I feel your pain, I do, but the wheels in the regulator are pretty strangely shaped... Best of luck in your hunt!

 

[Offroads4x4]

Look on eBay for a replacement, they are'nt that much as I recall. I also replaced my tracks on the bottom of the window while it was apart.

 

[hobiesbestfriend]

I found a good deal on a complete tailgate in almost new condition so I went that way. New rollers and tinted window as well as a way better shell. All around win really

 

[Bogo]

Another option could be to buy a piece of Mechanical Grade PTFE rod and shape new rollers from it. McMaster-Carr has it. McMaster-Carr It should be under Raw Materials --> Plastics --> Rods --> Fluoropolymers --> Mechanical Grade PTFE. If somebody had a lathe they could make a batch of them and sell them.