After my 4th window regulator failed, I decided to try something new and buy a rebuilt unit from the guy on ebay. He also has a web site www.regulatorusa.com.

The GM price for a new regulator is about $337. GM Parts Direct charges $212. I paid Alexander at Regulator USA a total of $173 with shipping, and he promises a $40 refund when my broken unit is returned to him. So the net cost is $133 with a six-month warranty.

I got the regulator two days after I ordered it via UPS. It looks brand new, and after I installed it...everything seems to work just fine.

Assuming that I get the $40 core charge refundeed, and that the part doesn't fail in the near future...I give Alexander very high marks.

Thank you very much for the report, Auburn. Wish you good service with the new regulator.

How quickly did the first 4 fail?

Sounds like maybe something else may be causing the issue.

What causes the problem is a very badly designed part. Not all 4 regulators were on the same door. This was actually the first time to replace the LF unit.

What usually happens it that the little plastic guide wheel at the top of the rail breaks, causing the cable to get hung-up and ulimately over-stretched by the window motor.

Jim

I wonder if that is something that a guy with a lathe can make (hmm.. looks to neighbor)... Replace the fault-prone part with one that is much stronger. Possibly create a more robust design? I may have to look into this once my warranty runs out. So far so good with 40k on my bonnie.

This guy is MORE better and MORE cheaper. They are BETTER than new after he rebuilds them!
http://www.onetobuy.bizland.com/index.htm

Both of those websites look strikingly similar to each other...

well, the LR regulator on my brother'* SLE just broke so I'll have to fix it this week sometime.. I bought a regulator on Ebay for $180.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33706

Is that the same company you guys are buying from? I hope this one works better than the OEM part. :?

That looks to be an excellent website. I read quite a few feedbacks from buyers, all 100 percent positive.

Ok... this might be a silly question.....

But what'* the difference between a regulator and a motor?

The drivers window on my 97 doesn't work when it'* hot outside (like if the suns been beating down on it) does that sound like the regulator or the motor?