Rear window a little sticky raising

JohnnyC · 11-06-02, 01:21 PM

Hi all,

The back window of my Corvette sometimes only gets up 3/4 of the way it should, sometimes goes slow, and sometime i have to help it up more than others. I have noticed it not going as well in the colder temps (like currently) as when warm in summer. Once up, the window does not fall down or anything.

I was wondering if i could use a lubricate like WD-40 or something to help out the window. Of course, l'd like to avoid replacing the struts if possible.

John

jad9943 · 11-06-02, 01:33 PM

You need new hatch supports - Pep boys sells for $35.00 ea - make sure you get the ones with rear window defroster terminals. If you dont have a pep boys auto parts - most any auto parts can get them - save $ over Ecklers etc.

Vettelt193 · 11-06-02, 02:01 PM

I would try to put some lubricant on them first.... Do not use WD-40 though, it gums up over time and actually makes things worse in the long run... I like to use 1 Kube by slick 50, it seems to work well... any other lubricant you decide on should include teflon, it seems to keep things working.... just put on a small amount, that should be all it takes.

11-06-02, 02:13 PM

Don't waste time with any grease or lubricant. Over time the hatch struts wear out. It seems to get worse when the car is left closed up on a hot day. The extreme heat inside the car takes it's toll on the struts. Mine were working perfectly, until one 100º day in Va.... went to open the hatch and it went nowhere, I lifted it up and it went right back down. It was rather curious...I removed both struts and found one could be collapsed and opened easily by hand, while the other could not. I replaced both just to be sure. I then took it apart. The seals were worn and brittle...but the oil inside had the viscosity of water, while the good one was like 40 weight. I was told by a vette specialist in Va. that the heat gets to them and fries the guts...happens to all of them. He also suggested that I use the hatch thing that allows the hatch to stay open an inch or two as a way of disbursing the heat and extending the life of the struts. just my .02¢

JohnnyC · 11-06-02, 03:57 PM

The window does not collapse or anything, just need some help going up and regular force is needed to close it down ago.

As far as i know, it has been garaged by previous owners until me, since last Nov. Can one hot day really do that damage? I have had it just not go anywhere in the heat also, but i could usually get my finger under the window and help it up.

This sounds like a spring/summer project to me, when it is a little warmer outside. Guess I have to bite the bullet and get new supports.

Thanks for the advise.
John

vms4evr · 11-06-02, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jbolanowski
The window does not collapse or anything, just need some help going up and regular force is needed to close it down ago.

As far as i know, it has been garaged by previous owners until me, since last Nov. Can one hot day really do that damage? I have had it just not go anywhere in the heat also, but i could usually get my finger under the window and help it up.

This sounds like a spring/summer project to me, when it is a little warmer outside. Guess I have to bite the bullet and get new supports.

Thanks for the advise.
John

John,
Mine do the same thing. They are worn. Just aren't completely shot yet. Just replace them. Once in a while mine slips right down. Get your body inside there putting something in or taking it out and have the hatchback drop down and hit you in the back once. You'll be in a big hurry to replace them then. It hurts. Trust me on that one...
As Len says it is all of about 10min each to replace. Disconnect the defroster wire, pop the clip, remove, slip new one in, clip, connect wire. Simple.
One caveat. Make sure the defroster wire is on the proper side. Some aftermarket ones have one on the wrong side and they don't connect right or scrape closing the hatchback. Ran into that on my84 when I replaced them.
My new ones are going in my92 soon.
Graham

BigRed · 11-06-02, 10:59 PM

Mine are a little tired as well but sometimes the stick is to much for even brand new struts on my (Gotta get replaced) Seal. I went out to the parts store and I bought some Dielectric grease. I sped it evenly and wached it absorb into the seal then did it again. No more problems with stickiness. I just have to guide the window up for the last 6 inchs thats all.

Vettelt193 · 11-07-02, 09:01 AM

I have had this problem before on my '93. Moving parts, at times, need lubricant. I never had a problem with the hatch falling down on me, it would just stick a little on the way up. After a bit of lubricant, no more problem. I don't understand why anyone would say lubricating them is a waste of time. It takes all of a minute to do, and could potentially save a lot of money.

11-07-02, 10:12 AM

Because the struts are self lubricating. They are filled with oil.
There is a felt washer that lubes the strut rod. if you are continually having to lubricate yours then maybe there is a problem. I have never had to add additional oil to mine. They are made that way so the strut rod will not seize from the constant opening and closing. Bottom line ...if they are acting up then replace them. The cost is negligible compared to the hassle of having to lift or hold the hatch up as well as having to add it to the daily list of things to lube.

Vettelt193 · 11-07-02, 11:27 AM

i only had to lube mine once.

11-07-02, 08:46 PM

Len....you hit it right on the head....Gee wish I was that eloquent.....

vigman · 11-07-02, 10:40 PM

Don't half ass it!

Replace the struts... they are what $80.00 for the replacements

assume the following... if they fail and the rear glass is up.. and a slight breeze pushes the glass down

SLAM

( sound of breaking glass )

cut to close shot of whipping out credit card at glass shop.

6 Shooter · 11-07-02, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jbolanowski
Hi all,

The back window of my Corvette sometimes only gets up 3/4 of the way it should, sometimes goes slow, and sometime i have to help it up more than others. I have noticed it not going as well in the colder temps (like currently) as when warm in summer. Once up, the window does not fall down or anything.

I was wondering if i could use a lubricate like WD-40 or something to help out the window. Of course, l'd like to avoid replacing the struts if possible.

John

If it only happen when it's cold, I'd say it's more than likely how the cylinder reacts to cold weather. Mine has some arthritis in cold weather also. I'd say as long as the window doesn't fall down your ok.

I'm not going to touch that lubricant thing everyone's got going on.