Why does the rear window mechanism fail?

[Surf89]

I know I am tempting fate here.....but with 3 4runners with working rear windows i was wondering what makes them fail so i can prevent it?

Is it overuse or underuse ?

 

[BucknutBob]

I can only speak for 2nd Gen's (but it may be the same for the other older ones), but I know a major problem is simple rust. The rear window doesn't seal out the rain very well, so the mechanism starts rusting, which makes the moving parts grind together until the motor starts to give up from the effort.

 

[Hyde802]

^ Nailed it.

 

[fourwd1]

Rust and boredom.

 

[Surf89]

I can only speak for 2nd Gen's (but it may be the same for the other older ones), but I know a major problem is simple rust. The rear window doesn't seal out the rain very well, so the mechanism starts rusting, which makes the moving parts grind together until the motor starts to give up from the effort.

One of my 4runners is out in the rain all the time ( and we are talking about New Zealand constant rain here ) ,i never encountered one drop of water. Maybe thats an issue with the 2nd gens but dont think with the 1sts.

 

[Surf89]

Rust and boredom.

I thought the same. Once it is never used, it would gradually gain rust and then break.

How difficult would it be to get at it and spray some lube it ?

 

[fourwd1]

Take off the access and u can get to everything.

 

[combatmedic]

Original 95 here, Texas (NO RUST) works fine, use it pretty much everyday. So I'll have to agree with the aforementioned, rust is key. My 3rd gen however purchased from CO, has the rust issue and it no longer works.

 

[nevada]

Take off the access and u can get to everything.

if you're inside with the window up.

you can roll the window "up, while the gate is down, but you have to lock the latches. i use a screwdriver, to push each side in until it clicks.
you will want something to support the glass, otherwise it will fall.
and, dont forget to pull the handle, and open the latches before you try to shut it.

that said, mine has surprised me with how hardy it is. the switch is worn out, and sticking a bit. if im not paying attention, i can turn it to the UP position to roll the window up, and remove the key. with the motor still activated to go UP. i know this, because i came out the next day with a dead battery. this happened twice before i figured out what was going on.

it does go up/down a bit slow now, the motor probably needs changed. but im going to run it until it quits.

 

[markfagus]

If rust is the key to failure on these I dont have much to worry about. Here in NM we have no moisture, my 88 does not have a SPEC of rust anywhere on it. Not even the undercarriage or exhaust has any rust.

Mark

 

[combatmedic]

If rust is the key to failure on these I dont have much to worry about. Here in NM we have no moisture, my 88 does not have a SPEC of rust anywhere on it. Not even the undercarriage or exhaust has any rust.

Mark

Yep, also too, the poor guys that have to drive in that snow/salt slush mixture have it worse. That salt gets everywhere.

 

[helo-mech]

Take off the access and u can get to everything.

Yeah pretty easy to get to everything. I only had to put the screwdriver in the driver side to get mine to operate with the door open. Like mentioned above, make sure you support the glass.

 

[nevada]

oh yeh, my bad.
i should know better, ive been in there a ****ton of times.
infact, so often, i dont even have the cover on...its exposed right now...

 

[KidVermicious]

boredom.

lol