Replace window regulator motor or not?
 

Based on my search, it looks like my regulator on my drivers door is shot. It makes a sound like a rock is scratching the glass, which im guessing is a piece of plastic or something. So my question is this, should i replace the regulator and motor? Or is it possible to save the motor? Thanks for any input.

Joe

The motor might be ok. Try looking what caused the issue.

Disclaimer: I'm not a wrench, a Boxster owning friend replaced the regulator when I had a scratching noise. We didn't do anything about the motor as it was working fine and that solved the problem. Motor still works perfectly and the noise is gone.

Larry (The Bald Eagle)

Save the motor. They last a lot longer than the regulators. I have replaced about a half dozen regulators and never had to replace a motor.
In case you have not seen the Pelican Parts tech article:
Porsche Boxster Window Regulator Replacement / Window Switch Replacement / Window Motor Replacement - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article
Be sure to pay attention to the last step, Window Adjustment.

The motors generally aren't the failure point on our cars, but the cable tension on the regulators sure is! :)

+4 on it being the regulator.

You may be able to save it. Underneath the door, there are four rubber plugs remove the plugs and squirt oil onto the white pulleys while somebody operates the window. If the sound goes away, then you are good.

Thanks fellas, all the info is much appreciated!

Joe

It's just the cable (i.e. the regulator). Same happened to me. If it's grinding, the motor is working and you're hearing the broken cable scratch its way around the door.

I bought an eBay one for £80, replaced it myself and it's still going strong 2 years later. It's not a hard job, just a little fiddly.

I had my driver side regulator replaced and now the window does not drop when putting the top down. The passenger one works properly. What is the trick here to make it drop so it does not interfere with the top operation?