Upgrading to Aftermarket Parts - Replacing Hyundai Window Regulators

Automotive parts can be divided into two categories, OEM and aftermarket, the former are provided by the original manufacturer of the vehicle you own and the latter come from a 3rd party manufacturer. These are still new parts which can work with OEM parts but they come at a different price, usually lower. In the past aftermarket parts have been considered to be cheap copycats with a lower quality. Nowadays you can get aftermarket parts with the same quality as an OEM part for a lower price or an aftermarket part that is of a higher quality but it has the same price as an OEM part.

Unlike OEM, aftermarket parts allow you to choose from different manufactures and pick a part that suits your vehicle best which is especially useful for exterior upgrades. Hyundai is no exception when it comes to aftermarket parts, there are a lot of options and quality can sometimes overthrow the guarantee and make offered by the original manufacturer. Purchasing aftermarket parts is the easy part of the job, actually putting them in use can be somewhat difficult at least when it comes to window regulators.

The first thing to do is gather the tools and equipment which can vary depending on the regulator – an electric regulator will require some extra parts and preparation. Hyundai aftermarket parts you'll need other than the regulators are going to be wheel chocks, test leads (electric regulator), needle nose pliers, a cross tip screwdriver, a small hammer, Allen wrench set, boxed end wrenches, 9V battery saver (electric regulator). You'll also need a ratchet with metric and standard sockets, a torx bit set, safety glasses, and protective gloves.

Before you start taking your Hyundai parts out, make sure you have your vehicle parked on a flat surface with the transmission in park or first gear if it's manual. Make sure you install the 9V battery saver into the cigarette lighter to keep the settings in the vehicle current and disconnect the vehicle's battery.

1.You'll start by removing the window switch screws and then proceed by removing the door trim panel. Start with the small trim and plastic detachable pieces to access hidden screws at the armrest and inner door handle. Once you remove the plastic cover of the door handle disconnect the linkage to the handle with a screwdriver.

2. After that take out the door speaker (if any) by removing the plastic cover, then the speaker mounting screws which will loosen it and all you'll need to do is disconnect the wire harness. You can also upgrade to other Hyundai aftermarket parts whilst replacing the regulator, such as the inner door handle and the side mirror.

3. The removal of the door panel will also involve removing additional hidden screws which are usually behind plastic clips that you'll need to open with a screwdriver. Once you have them all removed, lift the door panel up from the window sill and disconnect it from the window switch wiring by pressing the safety release clip.

4. Remove the plastic door liner and locate the window mounting bolts which may require you to lift or lower the window in order to access them. It is best that you have someone help you hold the window whilst you remove the bolts from the regulator as once you remove them the window will become loose. While it's loose, raise the window until it gets into contact with the upper part of the window frame and then secure it in place with some masking tape so it doesn't drop down.

5. After that, locate and remove the window regulator bolts and then do the same with the motor mounting bolts . Once you've removed these Hyundai parts, locate and disconnect the wiring harness connector by pressing the release tab and remove the regulator and motor through the large access port.

1. Take the Hyundai aftermarket parts and put them in the same place the old motor and regulator were – this can take some trial and error but persist in placing it into position. Once you've set them inside, put the mounting bolts back in place but don't tighten them until you've placed them all loose. Then using the ratchet or wrench tighten the motor and regulator mounting bolts then feed the electrical connector through the access hole and reconnect it to the door wiring harness.

2. Whilst holding the window in place remove the masking tape and then lower the window in the new regulator. If you have an electrical regulator make sure you turn the ignition on and try using the window switch to position the regulator cradle in order to install the mounting bolts. After you've done that check all the mounting bolts once again and install the plastic door liner back in its place. Once you've installed the door panel and all the plastic covers test both the up and down actions once again.