Question: I’ve owned my car for over ten years and the windows have just recently started rattling while I drive. Is there a way to fix the rattling windows? They’re starting to drive me crazy.
Answer: A rattling car window can be more than just an annoyance—loose glass or an improper window seal can allow water to seep into your car, meaning rain can quickly lead to harmful mold, mildew, and electrical damage.
How to fix a rattling car window
While you can always take your car to an auto shop to be fixed by a professional, you may be able to repair a rattling car window at home if you’re comfortable disassembling the door panel. Here’s what to do:
Remove the door panel and water shield to get access to the window. The process for doing this can vary depending on your car—it’s a good idea to watch a video of a pro removing the door panel on your same year, make, and model before getting started.
Pro Tip:Take pictures of your car door and window during every step of the disassembly process. That way, you’ll know exactly how everything should go back on, and in what order. You can even label things as you remove them so you don’t get any parts mixed up.
Once you have access to the window, carefully inspect each component. Pay particular attention to these parts:
- Window clamps: These clamps connect the glass to the window regulator—the part that moves the window up and down. If these are damaged or the bolts holding them together are loose, the window might be sitting loosely in the frame, causing it to rattle when you drive.
- Window sweeps: Also called beltline weatherstripping, window sweeps are mounted on the door at the bottom of the window. They help hold the glass in place and keep water and dirt from getting down into the door. Over time, these can become brittle or even break, which can cause your window to rattle.
- Run channels: The guides that hold your windows on either side are usually made out of rubber. If these run channels wear out, they won’t hold the glass securely—which could lead to a rattle.
- Anti-rattle pads: Look for these small felt-covered pads inside your door frame. They help secure the window while it’s rolled down—so if you normally hear the window rattling while it’s rolled down, your anti-rattle pads might be missing or damaged.
- Washers: It’s a good idea to replace any washers that are part of your window mechanism. They’re fairly inexpensive, and worn-out washers could be contributing to the window rattle.
Depending on what you need to replace, you may not end up completely disassembling the window itself. For instance, if you need to replace the run channels, you’ll just need to remove the door panel and original channel, roll the window down, and push the new run channel into place.
Once you’ve replaced any worn or damaged parts, spray any moving parts with white lithium grease to keep them moving smoothly. Then, carefully reassemble the window using the pictures you took earlier as a guide—and hopefully, you’ll be able to ride rattle-free!
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
