I'm trying to replace my power window regulator on my 96 miata. I've got the old one out, took out the power window motor, and have the new regulator bolted into the door. The problem comes when trying to thread the damn capstan, and also trying to fit the motor into places that my hanes manual says is possible...

Anyway, when I removed the motor I pulled it out through the speaker hole since I couldn't wiggle it between the door and guide rail for the window. Threading the capstan, it appears that I will have to thread and re-install the power motor through the hole just below the door handle so I have enough slack.

The thing is, I CANNOT get that damn thing to fit between the door and window rail. The only way that looks physically possible is to do it through the speaker hole. Is there any trick to this?

Also, from reading the m.net garage article on how to do this, it tells you to hook up the cable that is on the bottom of the capstan first, turn it 2.5 times, then hook up the cable on top, but I'm not really sure if this is correct because there appears to be way too much slack in the line when I re-install the motor. Giving it a quick test with the motor turned on, the cable got wrapped up in the capstain.

So I quit there and decided I'd ask for advice before going any further. Any help is appreciated!!

 

Need a real manual? I've never messed with this myself, but you're welcome to stop by and use my manuals some weekend.

 

i dont remember pulling it through speaker hole, but through the other main cavity opening just to the side of the speaker. I've done three, never had an issue pulling/replacing. but can't think of how i acutally do it; i just do it.

 

Finally got the whole thing replaced and working (for the moment). My hands are cut to **** and I'm still pissed off from trying to pull the cables back over the pulleys. Next time, I'm just doing manual windows. Screw this.

And btw, there was actually a bolt that held on the window guide rail towards the front of the door, I was able to take that off and the motor could then be pushed back and out through the access hole.