2004 audi a4 cabriolet rear window regulator

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2004 Cabriolet Rear Window Regulator Repair
2004 Cabriolet Rear Window Regulator Repair
Window won't come out

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B6 A4
2004 Cabriolet Rear Window Regulator Repair

10-17-2018 10:07 AM #1
Active Member One Ring

2004 Cabriolet Rear Window Regulator Repair
Hi all,
Right rear window in my daughter's Cab failed yesterday (only goes halfway up). I tore into it last night and found the white plastic piece that connects the cable to the lift assembly had broken. Rather than spend a ton of dough on an entire regulator (which is a huge metal monstrosity), I found a replacement plastic connector on ebay for $18 and ordered one for my Cab. Has anyone tried this approach before? I'm curious where my expectations should be.
Can an $18 eBay purchase thwart a $200+ regulator purchase? Stay tuned...Thanks.
10-17-2018 10:31 AM #2
Active Member One Ring

Pictures below:

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Jeff
2018 A5 2.0T
2013 A5 2.0T
2004 A4 Cab 3.0 - CVT death
10-17-2018 11:10 AM #3
Veteran Member Three Rings

I've heard mixed on not going OEM. Heard the eBay parts last 6 months or so... But I hope yours lasts much much longer!! Let us know...
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10-17-2018 10:15 PM #4
Senior Member Two Rings

Also heard this, but my hats off to you for tearing into this project. I have a good feeling it will hold up for you. Good luck.
2005 A4 Cabriolet Quattro, 3.0L
10-18-2018 06:21 AM #5

Veteran Member Four Rings

How much work was it to get the the regulator? Is it on par with the effort involved in getting to the regulator in a sedan?
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RS4 Rear Sway :: KW V1 Coilovers :: B5S4 Calipers :: W&L Catalytic Converter :: 30% black tint :: S4 Door Blades
10-18-2018 06:07 PM #6
Active Member One Ring

The regulator for the cabriolet averages around $265. It is everything you see in the third picture (minus the window and the motor).
All in it probably took me 2.5-3 hrs to get to the point where regulator was out and on the floor. That time included several internet searches on trying to remove the rear headrests (so the back seat would come out to provide better side panel access). I finally gave up and just worked the panel free without removing the backrest. It wasn�t easy, but I was more successful at that than removing the backrest.
This is my first Audi regulator experience. The Mercedes I�ve dealt with in the past have been much easier. I�m chalking the difference up to this being a convertible. Everything seems to be a little more complicated on this car.
10-22-2018 09:48 PM #7
Active Member One Ring

2004 Cabriolet Rear Window Regulator Repair
Well the replacement center clip I ordered from Colorado via eBay arrived today. It probably took me another 2.5-3 hours to put everything back together. I�m going to chalk that up to my first time doing the job and it�s been about a week since I tore everything apart, so the �Assembly is reverse of removal...� process was a little slow.
So all in, I�m about at about 5-6 hours of labor. I haven�t priced a shop or the dealer, but let�s presume they�d get things done in 2.5 hours (at $100/hr) + $250ish for the complete regulator. By that math, my $18 aftermarket clip and DIY probably avoided a $500 job at a shop/dealer.
Fingers crossed that the replacement will last at least half as long as the original....that would get me another 7 years.
Pictures below:

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Jeff
2018 A5 2.0T
2013 A5 2.0T
2004 A4 Cab 3.0 - CVT death
10-25-2018 06:54 PM #8
Established Member Two Rings

Nice work. Rear left window on my cab has collapsed down a couple of weeks ago. So excited to tackle it this weekend.......
05-20-2019 12:54 PM #9
Senior Member Four Rings

How�d you rewrap the white pulley?
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05-20-2019 12:56 PM #10
Senior Member Four Rings

How�d you do this so fast? First my window got stuck and I couldn�t get it out
. Now I can�t rewrap the pulley with the wire.
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11-04-2019 05:23 AM #11
Registered Member One Ring

Hi all, I'm getting ready to replace my right rear window regulator. I already have it removed. My question is this - When replacing the motor does the window have to be in any specific position when attaching it? Or does it even matter?
11-04-2019 05:28 AM #12
Senior Member Four Rings

Originally Posted by Chboro
Hi all, I'm getting ready to replace my right rear window regulator. I already have it removed. My question is this - When replacing the motor does the window have to be in any specific position when attaching it? Or does it even matter?
Leave the window in the up position. It�s much easier to put the whole regulator back in.

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11-04-2019 07:46 AM #13
Veteran Member Three Rings

I just had my left-rear apart to replace glass destroyed by a smash/grab criminal. The motor doesn't care where the glass is when removed, or when put back, since you adapt it in the usual way- run the window up, then toggle switch UP another second. Pelicanparts has a very useful page showing the steps involved to remove the window frame/regulator. Be advised that you may want to have some of the plastic retainers on-hand, as I found two broken when the door panel came off.
11-04-2019 09:39 AM #14
Registered Member One Ring

Thanks for the responses. I guess I should've mentioned our A4 is a 2006 Cabriolet. Much different regulator than 4 door model. And, I do already have it removed. Just needed to know if when replacing the Motor on the regulator if the window needed to be in a specific position. I'm asking this because I have an opportunity to purchase the regulator with or without the motor and I know my motor is Good. Removal was really not that difficult. Thanks again!!
11-04-2019 10:55 AM #15
Senior Member Four Rings

Originally Posted by Chboro
Thanks for the responses. I guess I should've mentioned our A4 is a 2006 Cabriolet. Much different regulator than 4 door model. And, I do already have it removed. Just needed to know if when replacing the Motor on the regulator if the window needed to be in a specific position. I'm asking this because I have an opportunity to purchase the regulator with or without the motor and I know my motor is Good. Removal was really not that difficult. Thanks again!!
Make sure it�s in the up position. It�ll make it super super easy to put back in. If it�s not up it�s going to be very hard
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11-10-2019 04:00 PM #16
Registered Member One Ring

Have my replacement regulator now and I'll be installing it next week sometime. I'll put the window in the up position then attach the motor and then install it. I figure I'll have to make some sort of an adjustment to get it to mate up with the front window correctly, as well as possibly the window side angle.
11-14-2019 06:48 AM #17
Veteran Member Three Rings

On my 3.0 sedan, I had the rear window regulator in the down position, which made it simple to fasten the glass to the regulator. It also made handling the whole assembly back into the door better, in my opinion, since the glass being down meant the assembly wasn't top-heavy. For those with sedans, the rubber seal goes on much easier by smearing a film of Vaseline on the rubber where it fits into the channel around the window frame. Push the rubber seal onto the frame and it goes right on.
11-14-2019 06:58 AM #18
Senior Member Four Rings

Originally Posted by Turbo510
On my 3.0 sedan, I had the rear window regulator in the down position, which made it simple to fasten the glass to the regulator. It also made handling the whole assembly back into the door better, in my opinion, since the glass being down meant the assembly wasn't top-heavy. For those with sedans, the rubber seal goes on much easier by smearing a film of Vaseline on the rubber where it fits into the channel around the window frame. Push the rubber seal onto the frame and it goes right on.
For the sedan I agree, but for the cab it�s almost impossible to do it with the window in down position because of the limited space
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12-11-2019 06:00 AM #19
Junior Member Two Rings

Hey guys, having to tackle this on my B6 S4 too. Is there anywhere you can buy just the cables?? My regulator all appears to be in good shape, but the cables are chewed up. So I wanted to try just replacing them first and see how it goes rather than waste >$200 on perfectly good parts.
I found this on Amazon but the clip is clearly different to OEM or the eBay copies, so I'm not convinced it is an appropriate replacement.
Otherwise, the only place I can find cables only is from a company in Turkey for $42.
ETA: Sorry just found the same Turkish part on eBay for $15+15 shipping! Here for anyone in future.
12-11-2019 07:40 AM #20
Senior Member Four Rings

Originally Posted by spuk87
Hey guys, having to tackle this on my B6 S4 too. Is there anywhere you can buy just the cables?? My regulator all appears to be in good shape, but the cables are chewed up. So I wanted to try just replacing them first and see how it goes rather than waste >$200 on perfectly good parts.
I found this on Amazon but the clip is clearly different to OEM or the eBay copies, so I'm not convinced it is an appropriate replacement.
Otherwise, the only place I can find cables only is from a company in Turkey for $42.
ETA: Sorry just found the same Turkish part on eBay for $15+15 shipping! Here for anyone in future.

I ordered that exact clip on amazon to do my repair. It took me almost 1 month to figure out how to wrap the new cable around the pulley 1. And two. It broke with in 3 days... and now I have to do the job over again

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12-12-2019 04:35 AM #21
Junior Member Two Rings

Originally Posted by Shuga
I ordered that exact clip on amazon to do my repair. It took me almost 1 month to figure out how to wrap the new cable around the pulley 1. And two. It broke with in 3 days... and now I have to do the job over again
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Haha, what fun! I did see your posts about that on my searches. I ended up ordering the eBay part in my post above; I'll post back here if it works out. It looks the same as OEM so I'm hoping it will just pop straight in.
05-17-2020 06:02 PM #22
Junior Member Two Rings

Finally got the eBay parts installed the other day, and it seems to be working ok. Only issue I'm having is there is about 1/4" play back and forth in the top edge of the glass, which you can move by hand with a bit of force. When it's back, the seal doesn't quite seal against the front door glass.
I think it might be down to worn nylon washers, the ones that run along the tracks as the window moves. Anybody know where I can buy new ones? Haven't found any by googling.
05-17-2020 08:31 PM #23
Senior Member Four Rings

Originally Posted by spuk87
Finally got the eBay parts installed the other day, and it seems to be working ok. Only issue I'm having is there is about 1/4" play back and forth in the top edge of the glass, which you can move by hand with a bit of force. When it's back, the seal doesn't quite seal against the front door glass.
I think it might be down to worn nylon washers, the ones that run along the tracks as the window moves. Anybody know where I can buy new ones? Haven't found any by googling.
Funny you mention that. I never thought the rear window was sitting against the front door glass right after the �repair� I just thought I was crazy because to the untrained eye it looks like it�s fitting fine.
I never ended up buying a new rear regulator, during my repair the battery some how got drained and that was it for me
. Now with everything going on I should really get to it.
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08-28-2020 04:18 PM #24
Registered Member One Ring

Window won't come out
do you think the part can be replaced without removing the window since I can't get the window out?
Originally Posted by f18lumpy
Pictures below:

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08-28-2020 04:19 PM #25
Registered Member One Ring

do you think the part can be replaced without removing the window? am having trouble getting the window out.
08-29-2020 10:56 AM #26
Senior Member Four Rings

Originally Posted by Pitkitten
do you think the part can be replaced without removing the window? am having trouble getting the window out.
What are you having trouble with? I can try to help
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08-30-2020 06:12 AM #27
Junior Member Two Rings

I don't think so, I had a hard time trying to get the window out at first but find it impossible to get the broken part replaced without it.
Are you struggling with getting it out through the gap? Did you take out the metal part at the top of the body?
08-30-2020 11:31 AM #28
Registered Member One Ring

Hi! Yea we realized the clip can�t be replaced from inside tho I saw a post from someone who did. We couldn�t get the window out. We finally removed the long bolts and move the window to up position.
08-31-2020 01:05 PM #29
Senior Member Four Rings

Window must be in the up position. Boy did I learn that the hard way lol. I still need to replace mine again :(
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04-20-2021 09:39 AM #30
Veteran Member Four Rings

Any photos/details how the motor GEAR is placed onto the frame/motor axle?
01 Allroad Tiptronic, TCU tune, mild stg 3 (350 HP) tune (stock injectors) KraftwerkTurbo TM1. Lower, Wider. Custom tip vent pod with Podi
02 Allroad 6 spd, Kraftwerk Turbo TM6, 750cc, 3" MAF, piggy, FMIC, CM stg 5 (hate). 30 psi at 3600 rpm. Needs stronger rods (coming).
05 Golf TDI
Looking for 2001 A4 1.8T quattro manual with blown motor
www.regulatorfix.com
www.kraftwerkturbo.com
08-10-2022 07:40 PM #31
Registered Member One Ring

I had the same problem with my cable I just went 2 the junk yard and bought the regulator piece without the window for about 50 bucks I didn't have 2 worry about wrapping the cable around the white pulley
08-10-2022 10:52 PM #32
Veteran Member Three Rings

What white pulley are you talking about? Is it the green pulley in the below picture or the white pulley that the cable winds around that attaches to the motor?

2001.5 Audi A4 1.8TQMS - Brilliant Black on Black Onyx Sport Cloth
Motoza Hybrid K04 Tune, Frankenturbo F4-H Kit, Bosch EV14 550cc injectors, APR R1 Diverter Valve, Snow Performance Stage 3 Water/Meth Injection Dual Nozzle Setup, Majesty FMIC kit, SSAC Cat Back Exhaust, Podi Boost Gauge in center vent pod, ATP Test Pipe, K&N air filter, HID fog upgrade, eBay short shifter, Center LCD retrofit, Aero wiper kit, Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs
08-11-2022 05:48 AM #33
Veteran Member Four Rings

The motor gear pulley has a spiral groove. Wind up the cable until 'full'. The green pulleys have that eliptical step on. Put the cable on short part, then rotate pulley why pulling cable in that direction; this will stretch the cable and move it into the 'groove'.
01 Allroad Tiptronic, TCU tune, mild stg 3 (350 HP) tune (stock injectors) KraftwerkTurbo TM1. Lower, Wider. Custom tip vent pod with Podi
02 Allroad 6 spd, Kraftwerk Turbo TM6, 750cc, 3" MAF, piggy, FMIC, CM stg 5 (hate). 30 psi at 3600 rpm. Needs stronger rods (coming).
05 Golf TDI
Looking for 2001 A4 1.8T quattro manual with blown motor
www.regulatorfix.com
www.kraftwerkturbo.com
08-11-2022 08:40 AM #34
Veteran Member Three Rings

Originally Posted by vtraudt
The motor gear pulley has a spiral groove. Wind up the cable until 'full'. The green pulleys have that eliptical step on. Put the cable on short part, then rotate pulley why pulling cable in that direction; this will stretch the cable and move it into the 'groove'.
Exactly. Super slick design to get it all wound back on. Not difficult at all.
2001.5 Audi A4 1.8TQMS - Brilliant Black on Black Onyx Sport Cloth
Motoza Hybrid K04 Tune, Frankenturbo F4-H Kit, Bosch EV14 550cc injectors, APR R1 Diverter Valve, Snow Performance Stage 3 Water/Meth Injection Dual Nozzle Setup, Majesty FMIC kit, SSAC Cat Back Exhaust, Podi Boost Gauge in center vent pod, ATP Test Pipe, K&N air filter, HID fog upgrade, eBay short shifter, Center LCD retrofit, Aero wiper kit, Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs