How to remove the right rear Window Regulator and door latch out of a 2008 Chevy HHR
Hello boys and not-boys, today we'll be removing the window regulator AND the door-latch from a 2008 Chevy HHR. The removal will take about an hour, different times if you're just removing the latch or only the regulator. You start with the same steps, so just pretend this is a choose your own adventure book when it comes to picking path A, the regulator, or Path B, the latch.
The tools you will need are:
- T30 screwdriver
- T30 socket and ratchet
- A 10mm socket
- A flathead screwdriver
Removal
First thing you're going to do is remove the two t30's in the little pocket of the door panel.
Remove the t30 behind the door handle. Do yourself a favor and DON'T break the door handle. They are part of the door panel. They are not replaceable on their own.
Pop the door panel off. It's easiest to start at the bottom, and after you've released the panel, lift up off the lock rod, disconnect the power window switch and disconnect the handle from the latch cable.
Remove the window guide. I'd suggest removing both, but I was able to remove everything with just one gone. It blocks the latch from pulling out of the door.
PATH NUMBER ONE: THE REGULATOR
Roll the window down far enough so you can access these bolts holding the window to the regulator. They are 10mm with a t30 inner. Remove both.
Unbolt the regulator from the door. It's all 10mm. It's easiest if you roll the regulator down all the way and get an assistant to hold the glass up. You can shimmy the regulator out the hole conveniently punched into the door. Unplug the connector.
Regulator out! These are a better design of regulators, but everything can fail.
PATH NUMBER TWO: THE LATCH
Remove the 3 t30's holding the latch in. You should be doing this with the glass and regulator out, or the window all the way up. You SHOULD be able to squeeze the latch out of the door with just that window guide out of the way.
Reach your wonderful hands in and undo that stupid yellow clasp, and disconnect the lock rod from the latch.
Unplug the latch. You're good to go! Installation is the reversal of removal. Have fun, and happy wrenching!
