How do you replace the manual window regulator in a 98 VW New Beetle?

Answer 1

Most door panels have screws located underneath the door armrest. Look carefully and find them all. Remove door handle; look for hidden screws or clips. Next carefully pull at the bottom of the panel to release the plastic clips. I usually use a flat blade screwdriver to gently pry with. Be sure to keep watching underneath looking up to make sure that the panel is releasing and to make sure you did not miss any screws. Keep track of all clips, screws, etc. Make sure that the glide button is not worn on your window track as this could be why the window came off in the first place. there is a recall on this for the window regulators call the dealer. <incorrect. A now expired warranty extension was added for this problem. It expired in 2007.

Answer 2

It is not that easy, but doable. 1) Remove door skin. Look for the screws at bottom of skin, remove. Pull skin loose and slide upward. Reach behind and unplug wires and release door latch cable. 2) Remove all the Torx screws holding the black plate on and remove screws holding the winch the window handle turns. 3) Pull the black sheet metal piece loose (it is glued with a silicone type adhesive). Go gently as the metal bends easily. 4) Pull all the loose and broken stuff from your regulator out. 5) Adjust window by hand to reveal clamps attached to window through the holes (about 2" in diameter") cut in the black plate. 6) Remove the black plate. (I leave mine attached to the door lock and swing it out of the way rather than messing with the door latch mechanism. There will be plenty of room to get the new regulator in) 7) Install new regulator. The clips that slide up and down will snap on when they are at the top of the rail. Snap them on and then install the winch back. Reinstall the clips to the window and tighten the screw that clamps the clip to the window. 8) Reinstall the black sheet metal plate, reset all your screws and start reattaching all your wires. They each only go one way. 9) Reinstall door latch cable, reinstall door skin, put crank handle back on.....go driving!