Having issues replacing window regulator. Not sure if it's because it's third party.

[HowdyA3]

I'm having a bit of trouble with replacing my passenger side window regulator, on my Audi A3 8P. I'm hoping someone here might have some advice to help. I bought a third party replacement window regulator after the original one snapped. Audi wanted £160 + VAT, so I went with one I found available in a store for around £45 (Part Number:WPSWPR2096L). I'm not sure if I've done something wrong or if the part is faulty.

The two main issues I'm having with the third party regulator is that it doesn't seem to have the correct screw hole, to screw it back to the car door. The bottom right screw hole is too big for the original screw. I can finger push the screw in and out the hole with no resistance, looking in the hole I can't see thread in the hole either.

The other issue which may be related to the first is that I'm getting a clank/clunk noise when winding the window up and down. I heard somewhere that there might be an adjuster bolt by the speaker for the window/door frame, but I'm not sure how to use it or if the issues I'm experiencing are related to the window regulator not being fully bolted in place.

I've uploaded a few images that I hope show up. The screw won't go into the hole circled in red, and the close up picture is of that screw hole, that doesn't seem to have thread. The other picture is when I swapped the regulators, the old and new one together.

I appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Regulator Window out Crop2.jpgRegulator Swap Crop.jpgRegulator 3.jpg

[Crasher]

I can see it on the GSF web site but they don't show and cross reference or fitment data. What is the cars VIN?

[HowdyA3]

I can see it on the GSF web site but they don't show and cross reference or fitment data. What is the cars VIN?

Hi Crasher, thanks for having a look. I've sent a PM to you with my VIN number.

[Crasher]

The OE number is 8P3 837 461 C but the GSF retail system don't support OE number search and as we hardly ever use them, I don't have access to their trade system. There are lot so aftermarket manufactures of these lifters, some good some not so, and knowing companies such as GSF and ECP they will be buying in the cheapest of the cheap Chinese Replacement Auto Parts; the parts trade in the UK is a race to the bottom. Problems with aftermarket parts taking a lot of work to fit if at all, is nothing new; you like all of us are learning the hard was as no one (including a younger self) takes any notice and just buys cheap until they learn their lesson.

[HowdyA3]

Thanks for checking that out and the additional info. I contacted GSF about the part, they said once they get the part they can send it off for warranty, if they think anything is wrong with it. I would rather a refund but I'm not sure where I stand with that since I've opened and fitted it. The £160 + VAT for the OE part is an off putting price and I'm wondering if I should have another spin of the wheel with these aftermarket parts, looks like it's abit of a minefield like you said but are there any suppliers that are a little more reliable with their aftermarket parts? What about second hand or from breakers?

I spent about 4 and a half hours when I changed the window regulator, seems daunting to think it could go wrong again.

A question about the clanking noise I get when winding the window up. I seen in a YouTube video that I can't seem to find again, that there is an adjustor under one of the door bolts near the speaker. Do you think if I tighten or loosen the adjustor bolt it might stop the clipping / clanking?

[HowdyA3]

I just had a look at my old window regulator. The code is 8P3 837 461 A instead of ending with a C, does the last letter reference the different sides or a different revision? Do the end letters make any difference to the one I should buy?

[Crasher]

C is probably a revision from A but I don’t have ETKA at home so I can’t check the part number history. The handing of the part number is by the third digit of the third number group, odd left even right so 461 left and 462 right.

[HowdyA3]

It seems to be sorted, I changed the window regulator for 8P3 837 461 C part and it seems to be working fine. Thanks for the help Crasher. Took the window regulator back to GSF, who said I'll have to wait for them to send the window regulator back for warranty before I can get a refund. They said to call them in about 2 weeks. The T25 screw that attaches to the bottom of the Regulator could slide in and out of 3 of the 4 holes around the regulator.

Now I seem to have misplaced one of the screws from my door card. Anyone happen to know if they're standard Torx screws I can get from any hardware store? or will I need one from Audi?

[Crasher]

Which screw? Picture?

[HowdyA3]

Hi Crasher, thanks for your help. I couldn't work out how to post a picture directly from my phone. I have one missing screw from the door card. It's the 3 main screws that screw/secure the door card to the door. The first picture is of the screw on the cupholder cover. T25.

screw1crop.jpgscrew2.jpg