My window regulator needs to be replaced, worn out and bent. Has anyone used a Dorman regulator (autozone or advance auto), in lieu of a Honda Oem regulator? Its like $40 cheaper but wanted to know how the quality of these aftermarket units are if anyone has experience with one. I usually go OEM, but this seems like one of those parts that it wouldn't matter going aftermarket.

 

I bought one for my 00 Civic EX. Seems to be fine but it's only about a year old. $30 and has a lifetime warranty.

 

I've replaced the stock regulator with an aftermarket one before (eBay no-name brand) in someone's '99 Civic coupe. You have to make sure the wires are not backwards. Even though it easily connects to the factory plugs, the wiring was wrong. Swapped two of the wires around and it worked.

 

I didn't have this^ problem with the Dorman I purchased at AutoZone - just needed to install the original OEM window motor.

 

I believe the ones from AutoZone/Advance/OReily are fairly decent. The one I had to replace looked cheap because the guy didn't want to pay for a better one.

 

I'm running a doorman regulator from autozone it's working fine for me 4 years strong bought it while I was working for them.

 

I recentt replaced mine complete with motor and regulator from autozone. It works perfectly but if you get the one that comes with te regulator and motor then the OEM motor won't line up with the aftermarket motor on the regulator holes. If your motor is still good just get the regulator.

 

Yup im running the one from advance for 3 yrs now no probs.

 

Sweet, thanks guys! Looks like I'll get a dorman regulator then. Yea, only the regulator is worn out, not the motor.

 

FWIW, got the Dorman regulator. Fits and works fine. Did need torx bits to remove the screws that hold the motor to the unit. Turns out there is something inside the motor that's catching when under load, dangit!

 

Spray some silicone lubricant into the rubber side channels and make sure the window glass is properly aligned in the channels. Sometimes you need to tweak the adjustment to get everything lined up properly.

 

Been there done that, I even replaced the entire rubber run channel about two years ago so everything moves easy. With the regulator out, i was able to slide the glass down the channels without much resistance at all. With the glass out, the motor is able to raise and lower the regulator without any issues. However, when I press down on the regulator and try to raise it with the motor, the motor suddenly catches. The cog gear on the exterior of the motor looks fine, so I'm assuming its something internal. At first I thought it was a tooth on the regulator catching the housing, but obviously that wasn't it. Still, the regulator was pretty sloppy, so probably good it was replaced.

Will now get the Dorman window motor unless you guys know how to pull the OEM unit apart.