Broken Coiled Spring for Window Mechanism

[ohio2800cs]

Took the driver's side door panel off to trace a rattle I hear every time I close the door. Found the culprits laying near the bottom of the door. Whoever replaced the door brake must have forgotten to remove these:

While I had it all opened up I decided to remove the window mechanism to clean and re-grease everything and to refasten the chrome strips onto the door card.

Was surprised to find a broken coil spring:

One question I have is does this spring help raise or lower the window?

I don't really notice any real speed difference raising or lowering the window. I only notice the window slowing down a bit on the last inch of upwards travel with the door closed, it doesn't seem to slow down as much with the door open.

I think I might need to adjust the window, looks like it top 1 inch of the rear portion of the window presses harder against the vertical rubber weatherstripping of the rear window than the lower part.

Of course the last question is if the spring is required, where is a good place to check for a replacement spring? Thanks

 

[Stevehose]

I found that junk in my doors too. The spring loads up when the window goes down in order to assist it going back up. I would think Coupeking or Coupeguy could help you, or perhaps Double O2 Salvage.

 

[deQuincey]

I found that junk in my doors too. The spring loads up when the window goes down in order to assist it going back up. I would think Coupeking or Coupeguy could help you, or perhaps Double O2 Salvage.

+1

the spring is necessary to compensate for the glass weight (gravity)
if you do not have a spring i would assume the electric motor will complain sooner or later...

 

[jmackro]

the spring is necessary to compensate for the glass weight (gravity)

I'm going to say just the opposite: the window springs perform no useful function. Yes, I understand what they are supposed to do - sort of a mechanical version of KERS. In practice, window operation seems the same with or without them. I pulled all four springs out of my window mechanisms, just to have fewer places for hardened grease to gum up the works. I wouldn't worry about replacing it.

 

[bavbob]

My Bavaria had the same issue but manual window. The window worked fine but the door rattled when I shut it. I found exactly what is in your photo. I welded the broken part since I found it inside the door. The window is now much easier to raise than before.....So I think your motor longevity would therefore benefit from repair .

 

[deQuincey]

My Bavaria had the same issue but manual window. The window worked fine but the door rattled when I shut it. I found exactly what is in your photo. I welded the broken part since I found it inside the door. The window is now much easier to raise than before.....So I think your motor longevity would therefore benefit from repair .

you weld it ? pardon me it is forged iron, you may weld it, but it will break again....

 

[deQuincey]

I'm going to say just the opposite: the window springs perform no useful function. Yes, I understand what they are supposed to do - sort of a mechanical version of KERS. In practice, window operation seems the same with or without them. I pulled all four springs out of my window mechanisms, just to have fewer places for hardened grease to gum up the works. I wouldn't worry about replacing it.

well. it is your experience, ...interesting

 

[ohio2800cs]

I appreciate for the information on possible sources of a replacement part and your comments regarding the spring's function.

To play it safe I'm going to look to replace the broken part

Thanks guys