Why is there a noise when the Ford Escort's window is raised or lowered?
4 Answers
Ford Escort's window makes noise when raised or lowered due to dust or debris inside the glass. Cleaning the dust in the groove and applying grease can solve the problem. Additionally, it may be caused by insufficient lubrication or poor fixation of the window regulator. In this case, tightening the screws and lubricating them again will suffice. The Ford Escort has a length, width, and height of 4587mm, 1825mm, and 1490mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2687mm. The car is equipped with a 1.5L L3 engine, naturally aspirated, with a maximum horsepower of 122ps, a maximum torque of 152nm, and a top speed of 187 kilometers per hour.
My Ford Escort had the same issue last winter. The window would make a screeching noise halfway up, like fingernails on a chalkboard—it was downright spine-chilling. Later, I found out the rubber seals had aged and hardened, rubbing against the glass in the cold. I applied Vaseline to the window tracks, which temporarily silenced the noise, but it wasn’t a permanent fix. A mechanic friend suggested checking the window regulator’s cables, and sure enough, one section was rusted and lacked lubrication. After cleaning and applying grease, it finally worked smoothly. Actually, accumulated dust and sand in the window tracks can also cause this, so remember to wipe the track gaps with a damp cloth during car washes to prevent squeaks. If the motor is faulty, the window movement may slow down—then it’s time to replace the part immediately.
Window noises depend on the specific sound. If it's a squeaky sound during operation, it's likely due to aging rubber seals or dust in the tracks - applying dashboard wax to the channels can help. Metallic clicking noises may indicate loose screws in the lift mechanism (I tightened some for a neighbor last week). The worst case is when the regulator cable gets tangled, producing a metal-on-metal scraping sound - mechanics say the Ford Escort's design is prone to this issue. Before rainy seasons, pay extra attention as wet seals can expand and cause squeaks; regular window channel cleaning is good practice.
Just dealt with this issue a couple of days ago. First, test which window is making noise. If it's a single window, focus on checking the lifting track and sealing strip on that side. If there's sand in the track, use a water gun with reduced pressure to flush it out—never scrape it hard. If the rubber strip has hardened, apply some rubber protectant, which lasts longer than cooking oil. If the noise occurs throughout the entire lifting process, it's likely an issue with the window regulator. I've taken the door panel off before—the Ford Escort's glass bracket tends to shift over time and requires adjusting the position of the fixing screws. Remember to disconnect the power before working to avoid burning out the motor.
