What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Car Windows Are Rolled Up?

[GabrielMarie]

The reasons for abnormal noise when car windows are rolled up are: 1. The rubber guide rails of the door windows are too dirty or have foreign objects, which can cause noise when the windows are rolled up or down; 2. The lifting mechanism has dust, debris, or a faulty lifting motor. The door windows are operated by the lifting mechanism below, and the lifting rails and cables are coated with grease, making them prone to dust accumulation; 3. The rubber seals are aged and need to be replaced. Car glass is manufactured by heating the glass in a furnace to near its softening temperature, then quickly transferring it to air grids with different cooling intensities for uneven cooling, creating different stresses between the main viewing area and the peripheral areas. Generally, this type of glass is zone-tempered glass.

[LaAllison]

One day, while rolling up my car window, I suddenly heard a squeaking sound. Later, I found out it was due to the aging of the window seal. The seal had become hard from constant exposure to sun and rain, causing friction against the glass and producing noise. Another time at the repair shop, the mechanic removed the door panel and discovered three loose screws on the window regulator bracket, causing metal parts to shake and collide during operation. If you often drive on dirt roads, sand and small stones can accumulate in the sliding tracks, leading to strange noises. Once, I vacuumed out half a spoonful of small stones. Lack of lubrication in the motor or worn gears can also cause a clicking sound. It's recommended to wipe the seals with a damp cloth monthly and spray some lubricant every six months to prevent noises for five or six years.

[McAugust]

Old cars often encounter window rattling issues, and based on my experience, aging rubber seals are the most common culprit. Rubber strips tend to harden and crack after five years, especially noticeable in winter. Another cause is insufficient lubrication in the tracks, where accumulated dust increases resistance when raising the window. Once, after removing the passenger door panel, I discovered the plastic pulley on the window regulator had split in half. An easily overlooked issue is loose wiring harnesses inside the door panel, which swing and hit metal during window operation. Temporary fixes include spraying WD-40, but a permanent solution requires replacing worn parts. Tightening door panel clips with a screwdriver can also reduce rattling.

[DiKaden]

This abnormal noise is usually caused by mechanical friction. When the rubber seal hardens and loses elasticity, it produces a scraping sound as the window rises. Insufficient lubrication of the sliding track can cause direct metal-to-metal contact, resulting in high-frequency noise. More seriously, it could be a malfunction of the lifting mechanism. For example, I once repaired a car where the deformed wire rope drum caused the window to rise at an angle. Small component issues are also common, such as a detached balance spring or worn motor brushes. It's best to use a specialized rubber lubricant for the seals and white lithium grease for the sliding tracks. Avoid using engine oil as a substitute, as it can corrode the rubber.