# 2010 Mazda 3 window/regulator alignment mishap

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-mazda-3-window-regulator-alignment-mishap/197986>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** mazda3, mazda\
**Created:** [November 11, 2024, 8:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-mazda-3-window-regulator-alignment-mishap/197986 "2024-11-11T20:00:10Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![DIY\_Wannabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@DIY\_Wannabe](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DIY_Wannabe)\
**Post date:** [November 11, 2024, 8:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-mazda-3-window-regulator-alignment-mishap/197986/1 "2024-11-11T20:00:10Z")

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I need help understanding what I’ve done wrong here!

A few years ago I posted on this forum requesting advice on how to fix or replace a broken (front passenger) door actuator (the cable had frayed at one of the cams).

Following folks’ advice, I purchased an OEM replacement actuator, and installed it myself–but I tried to do so without removing the window. It was bloody tight & cramped, but I successfully changed out the latch mechanism.

However, I loosened the regulator bolts on the inner skin to provide working space, because I couldn’t figure out how else to get in there _with_ the window still attached to the unit.

I should note that the window spontaneously slipped down a few cm’s while I was working. However, I otherwise reattached everything as-is, including the regulator & motor bolts to the inner skin–but now:  
-the window angulates part of the way as it rides up the track;  
-the window stops ~1cm short of the top (moving very slowly: the motor on that side has always been weak, but now it’s really struggling); and  
-the window makes an almighty cracking sound when moved (usually lowered) past a certain point.

It seems obvious that I’ve messed up the regulator &/or window alignment in replacing the door latch mechanism–perhaps from the window spontaneously sliding down a few cm’s while I worked, without me changing the regulator position? Does it sound as if I’ve ruined the regulator, or how do I realign the window so that it no longer rides at a slight angle, so that it makes it to the top, so that it stops making those sudden loud sounds?

Thank you!

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [November 12, 2024, 1:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-mazda-3-window-regulator-alignment-mishap/197986/2 "2024-11-12T01:30:21Z")

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Try loosening the regulator bolts, and slowly raise the window until it shuts and seals.

Now tighten the regulator bolts and see if the window operates smoothly.

Tester