How to Replace a Car Window Crank in Six Steps (with Pictures)

You most likely have crank windows with a handle if you have an older car. A window crank handle is used to open and close a window. A window crank handle has two parts: the grip and the shaft. The grip is attached to the shaft with a pivoting joint to move up and down.

Window cranks are an important part of most windows, but they can also be one of the most challenging parts to replace. If your window crank is no longer working or you just want to change it out for a different style, here’s how to do it in six easy steps.

Materials Needed

Replace a Car Window Crank in Six Steps

1. Find the correct new window crank.

While this step may seem the most obvious, it is the first thing you should do for a reason. If you own an older car, you want to make sure you can find the one that matches the car’s other cranks. Check at auto supply stores, Amazon, or even on eBay. If the window crank you want is not available, you might have to use a substitute that comes close to the old one.

2. Roll the window up.

Try using the old crank first to roll the window up. If the crank has already come off the shaft, use an adjustable wrench to roll the window up. If the crank is still on the shaft, remember the position the crank is pointing in once the window is up.

3. Remove the old crank.

If the crank is still on the shaft, remove it once the window is rolled up using the needle-nosed pliers. You want to remove the clip that holds the crank in place, which is located between the door and the crank. This might be tricky with needle-nosed pliers, but it is doable. Once the clip is removed, you should be able to slide the crank off easily.

4. Inspect the new crank.

Make sure that the clip is in the new crank. Otherwise, you might need to use the old clip you just removed on the new crank.

5. Position the new crank in place.

Remember how you noted how the position of the crank after you rolled up the window? That is important because you want the position of the crank to feel natural when you use it. Check out the other cranks in the car and see how they are positioned.

6. Press the new crank in place.

Once you have the new crank positioned in place, start pressing the crank in place. When you hear a click (that’s the clip), the crank should be in place! Test it out by rolling down the window and then back up again.

• See Also: How to Replace a Window Regulator in 10 Steps

Things to Consider When Choosing a Crank Handle

1. Material

Stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic are the most frequent items used to make crank handles. Crank handles made of stainless steel are the most durable, making them perfect for slightly elevated applications. Aluminum crank handles are also durable and weigh less than steel handles.

2. Revolving vs Stationary Grip

When choosing between stationary versus revolving crank handle for windows, you have to weigh your options carefully. The cost of the stationary grip style is usually lower than that of a revolving grip.

One other important factor that comes into play when comparing revolving vs stationary grip crank handles for windows is how each one affects your reach and range. The rotating mechanism on a stationary grip crank handle can help you reach a window at a greater distance.

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3. Length

Crank handles come in various sizes and lengths. You should consider the center-to-center length when purchasing a crank handle. The distance between the center of the crank handle and the center of the grip is measured in inches or millimeters. A longer crank handle provides more leverage, but it takes up more space than a smaller crank handle.

• Related Read: How to Fix a Stripped Window Crank in 9 Steps

4. Color and Style

Finally, the color and style of a crank handle should be considered by producers. Because crank handles are used in combination with machines, they should look comparable. Selecting a crank handle that isn’t the same color or style as the car door it’s attached will stand out in the wrong way. Although it is unlikely to have an impact on the crank’s performance, it is something that buyers should avoid.

• See Also: How to Fix a Crank Window That Won’t Close in 11 Steps

Conclusion

Window cranks are a simple tool that can be used to open and close windows. They’re easy-to-use, affordable, durable, and have the potential to save you time in the long run by making it easier for you to control your home environment without having to rely on another person or device.

Featured Image Credit: Erik Mclean, Pexels