Slow power windows - anybody tried graphite?

[RenoHuskerDu]

I've used silicone lube in the felt channels, cleaned the channels, lubed the regulator mechanism, all kinds of attempts to fix slow power windows. Not much improvement, and silicone on the glass sucks.

When they got so slow last winter that they'd barely move, I sprayed in some graphite powder and it seemed to work pretty well

Now the weather is warm again so they work better. I can't tell if the graphite is helping or not. I'm wondering if anybody else has tried graphite powder and how it worked for you?

 

[Chopperdriver]

I had the same problem on my '92 80. I tried all the stuff you have tried, they help for a while but when it gets cold again they will slow back down. I put new window channels in and they are just about as fast as new. Easy swap, did not even have to take the door panel off, the old ones just pull out and you can slice the new ones in. Got them from ACC toyota in ATL for about $70 each.

 

[450 Cruiser]

I've had good results with silicon grease in the run and cleaning the switch contacts in the driver's door. Everyone seems to have a different opinion and/or get different results no matter the method as demonstrated in this thread:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/350667-really-bugs-me-slow-electric-windows.html

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Silicone spray worked for me, but it eventually creates more problems by attracting dirt/dust

mine seem to slow down only when wet or during cold weather, so I'll be replacing all the runs before next winter since that seems to be the optimal fix

 

[Bjohnston115]

yep the wet and cold weather def make it worse...

 

[Blue Bomber]

Check your switch contacts. Mine had dried grease in the way, which is a good insulator. Watch out for spring in switch that locks out back windows, which tends to get away and/or break.

 

[Bearcat80]

The rubber window runs are easy to replace and pretty inexpensive. American Toyota is your friend for that. I also had to replace one motor with one from a junkyard toyota (they are all the same, just clocked differently in different cars)

 

[plutonius]

I was using all of my bike lubes in the channels for a while until I realised it was just a bandaid for an underlying issue - that the motors were dying. I put new motors in the front windows - pita yes - & they operate like new. Lube will only get you so far (that's what she said )

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

Thanks guys, it looks like I might be the first one out here in this forum to try dry graphite lube powder. Spray silicone lube seems to not last very long in winter, and like I said I hate it on the glass.

I guess I'll look for another tube of graphite lube and keep y'all posted this winter. There are solid good tips in the other thread https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/350667-really-bugs-me-slow-electric-windows.html I've tried them all except for disassembling the motors. I did the main switch right after I bought her.

 

[kbushnz]

Check the wiper seal that is along the top of the door window sill (Weather Strip?) and also the door card.
When the felt wears off the window drags on the rubber....
I found this out when trying to lube mine up one day, noticed it was working fine with no door card on.
After putting it all back together.....Slow again.

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

Great new tip, Calvin. Thanks! My son is also named Calvin.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

OK, I cleaned out all the silicone from my runs and decided to give Graphite powder a shot since my windows have been slowing down again on cold days...

Used about half a tube on all my windows (half of which blew away in the wind) and the results were pretty good

About the same as fresh silicone spray, but without all the mess and after a week of driving, no dust/dirt has accumulated

I will say it was a PITA to use though

The best method I could come up with was putting the powder on a wooden paint mixing stick and kinda rubbing it into the center of the runs

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

I have used graphite spray on locks. It is a liquid with the graphite mixed in. Just a thought, that should work better than the powder. I'll give it a try that and report back.

 

[Harry Centeno]

Subscribed.. I'm scared to lower the windows on cold wet days

 

[97LandCruser]

I just removed mine rubber channels and scrubbed with warm water. then i used gummi pflege and coated the channels that come in contact with the window. after a few coats and dry i put them back in .. they work much better and it is still cold out side. not sure if the gummi pflege worked but im happy with how the windows are working now. i read on mud about the guy who took apart the door panel to get the channels out. but in that thread someone mentioned just pulling the channels out with out doing anything else. that made it much easier task.

 

[IanB]

I was able to pull the old channels out no problems, but I did have to pull the door panels off so I could get my hand in the door and pull the new ones down into place, there was no way they were going to slide all the way in from the window opening. Even with new rubber channels my windows are still slow when it's really cold, I puffed some graphite powder into the channels which seemed to help a bit, might try a bit more to see if it helps more.

 

[Enigma]

Need a higher hp motor swap!