SAAB 9-5 Window Roller DIY and Door Rattle Fix

Adam takes you through all the steps to remove and replace the window rollers in a 1999 - 2009 SAAB 9-5.
Product link: eeuroparts.com/product/profes...
The window roller kit used also fits NG900 (94-98) and OG9-3 (99-03). As a bonus, he describes how to fix a common issue, door rattles caused by a fallen sealing strip. It's best to do this pre-emptively as this is a common failure and it can cause your window to fall down into the door. If you have a European car, eEuroparts has a huge selection of parts at the best prices online, check us out today!

[@dynamobasskebab]

This video is still helping out people 🙏 just used it to fix the window in my Saab. Cheers😃

[@leelindeman387]

I used it today aswell. Great video 💪

[@jfamilytvsmartcast3346]

Great video and very useful comments - thank you Saabers! Just wrapped up the passenger side and also swapped the speaker at the same time. I lubed up the rails with silicon lube spray and realized I meant to use spray grease- hoping it’s a nonissue, time will tell but I’ll test the difference on the driver side. Trim tools in hand and pulling the top window trim from the front to the back is the way to go. Also, I did not remove the weather stripping and was fine with access. Bonus is to swap the courtesy light out at same time - mine crumbled.

[@charlesvanacker7634]

Helpful. Another 2 tips from my newbie repair, 1) remove the rear roller first and replace. Do not let the window drop, if it does it slips out of the front rubber channel. I had to remove the door speaker loosen the front channel, and place the window back in the rubber guide. 2) Much easier to leave the clips on the new rollers, and use channel locks to snap them over the ball joint with the clips installed.

[@josiehatchet]

I agree with your point about fitting the rollers with the clips mounted. I carry spare rollers in our 9-5, and a pair of water pump pliers that came in the tool kit of an older Saab to clip them into place.

[@shathan123]

Thanks! Was able to do this on a 2003 saab 9-5 linear thanks to this video. Took less than an hour.

[@Qctep]

I went through this procedure several times on two different SAAB 9-5s. There are some tricks and cautions: The rollers kept popping off on me. I've read that when putting them on you have to get two "pops" - one to seat the shaft on the plast roller then another when the pin pops on to the narrow part of the shaft. I could not get the second pop no matter how hard I tried - channel locks included. So I drilled out the rollers. I forget what size bit I used but I drilled down to just short of going all the way through. The rubber in the metal tracks needs to be clean - very clean. A previous owner had greased them. This just acted like liquid traction and made it very hard for the glass to move. I took it out and washed it with hot soapy water very thoroughly - the same for the glass. The only lube I used was a carefully applied amount of spray silicone. I also glued the rubber into the steel track, otherwise it can bunch up and cause the window to seize in the tracks and the cause the roller(s) to pop out (again). The vapor barrier is an important part of the door. The side curtain airbags are actuated by air pressure when the door crushes in an accident. The vapor barrier helps seal the inside of the door. Without it, the airbag could go off too late or not at all. The previous owner of my car tore them off and threw them away. The barrier needs to be thoroughly glued to the door - not just attached with a few pieces of tape, as I found in my wife's SAAB.

[@edwardtupper6374]

Awesome commentary cheers

[@alumidiaz4873]

Super helpful video - just used it to replace my Saab door rollers - huge thanks for sharing!

[@BWTECH0521]

This really helped me, I managed to get the window glass to come off the tracks on both sides so I had a hard time figuring out why the dang thing wouldn't roll up all the way even after replacing the rollers. Thank you!

[@tiagoluna1942]

I did this job today! Thanks for posting :)

[@thenonmechanic7242]

about that barrier... it`s not just for keeping moist out. It´s also importent for side airbag function. When the car gets a hit on the door a sensor in the door feels the presure difference and deploy. if that barrier is gone that pressure build up will not accoure and the airbag will not activate correctly.. You should also lubricate the rollers for best performance..athorwise good video... greetings from Sweden

[@Eeuroparts]

While this may be true for some cars, the Saab 9-5 has two airbag sensors, located in the front and rear of the vehicle on the bumper beam, part number 12772218

[@PL-rf4hy]

@@Eeuroparts It's a very helpful video you have provided and I for one appreciate it, but I did want to point out that the vapor barrier does serve an important function in relation to the airbag, as you can learn from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIjJqHWabtmbhdE

[@Zurstchoii]

Brilliant!! I did this fix today with help from this tutorial. Rich. UK

[@rahimsheikh2649]

Thanks for your video good explanation for saab 9-5 sport and now i think i will be able to manage it my self window roller.

[@jimm4260]

Thanks made my work easy!

[@marshallj90]

wow this was awesome! I have lots of repairs to do on my 95

[@krombopulosmichael8406]

Same. Never have I ever worked on such a difficult car lol.

[@joburke597]

Thanks for posting. It was a good start for me. I removed the rubber window seal as directed, but I'm not sure why? It didn't interfere in any way with the disassembly. I also had trouble pulling the top plastic frame away from the interlocking bottom ... ended up breaking a tab. It seemed like I should have started from the mirror end pulling it apart. It went back together much faster by making this change. And yes, leaving the clips in and starting with the back one made it much simpler!

[@MrDXRamirez]

I am having trouble finding the green rollers...mind telling where you got yours?

[@pedrofox2609]

Remember to let the window pass through the rubber silicone (window guide?) channel. My went outside and is scratching towards the triangular plastic at the side mirror. I will reopen and fix it today.

[@markostertag1101]

When I popped the arm ball into the roller… I left the pin in and snapped it in… I had to go for two pops. One got the ball into the roller, but did not snap the pin into the groove. As a result, the arm kept popping out and left me quite confused. Squeezing really hard and getting a second pop fixed the issue.

[@maffiozo08]

This cloth barrier is for side airbags. it reacts to sudden pressure change when side impact. So it must be glued correctly back in place.

[@Tailspin07]

Interesting, Ive never heard that. Do you have a source to read more info on this?

[@maffiozo08]

Tailspin07 i recently saw a saab 95 commercial video from 97 or something. They explaned all the safety features for 95 in that video. Too bad i cant find it right now. It was an official commercial from saab

[@tiagoluna1942]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIjJqHWabtmbhdE You can see the importance of the barrier around 16min into the video link ;)

[@jiml6488]

great video! Thank you.

[@chicagoui9299]

Does Eeuro have a rear door glass replacement vid? Need to replace the glass on my rear door. I swapped my door out with a nicer door but the glass doesn’t match.

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

Very good guide!! Thank´s!!!

[@un-_-known688]

Do you know were to find the door lock relay for saab 9-5 2005 plzz

[@brettkramer]

My drivers side went smoothly, but my passenger side was much more difficult because the window came out of both of it's tracks. When this happens and you replace your rollers, you will notice that your window doesn't go all the way up, you may even break one of your rollers and bend the forward metal arm a bit. Don't panic, on a 2003 9-5 Aero, you're going to have to remove the speaker and vapor barrier entirely, then you're going to have to remove the rollers again to angle the window left and right in a circular motion until you get the window back in it's two tracks right and left. You will get it, I did. Once you get your window back in it's tracks, you can re-install the rollers. I applied some synthetic grease to the forward, rubber window track because I want the window to move as smoothly as possible, (the rubber was old and dry and was grabbing the sides of the window) Once I got the window up, I replaced the rear rubber track, glued it in place and put some grease on the inner side of the track. Way more trouble that what you see in the video above, but it got done correctly. When the fellow in the video says that this repair is a preemptive service, it's a good move to pay attention and do this one before the rollers break. I think my drivers side rollers broke at 154K miles and the Passenger side broke at 180K.

[@lunanotte9202]

I just came here to see how to take my door panel off. Every one told me it was my window motor, turns out to one of the window rollers is completely gone and the other one is broken.

[@kennys7361]

What size screw driver did you use to remove that one in the door handle

[@2steaksandwiches665]

I was unable to pop off one of the green rollers so I had to melt it off using the cigarette lighter. It actually worked. I just melted it and then picked it away with a flat head screwdriver

[@adamscratchgames]

Thanks for the tips on how to remove the panel. Do you have a video on how to replace an exterior door handle with a stuck cylinder lock.

[@woltergrant]

My cylinder lock got stuck this winter. Once it warmed back up and I discovered it wasn’t just frozen due to the negative temps. To fix it I shot some graphite grease in the lock and on my key then worked it back and forth. Finally gave it a firm twist and it popped a couple times. Then it just turned freely without actuating the lock, but after another shot of grease and a few more twists it started working again hah. Maybe I just got lucky but worth a shot...

[@axiv7277]

When my left front window is all the way up it vibrates like mad when I play bassy music, as soon as I take it down a little bit, just like 2mm it stops vibrating. Does anyone know why this is happening?

[@yusufrangwalla854]

Hi thank you for the video very helpful. I have SAAB 93 2009 and my driver side rear passenger door window does not work. I heard some weird sound and now the window just drops half way down and I have pulled it up and put some card paper in the slot to keep it up. I would like to know is it the rollers or the regulator and how can I tell.

[@Eeuroparts]

The regulator is known to go bad, we have an upgraded regulator for the rear of these cars. Visit this blog post to learn more: www.eeuroparts.com/blog/8961/saab_9-3_rear_window_regulator/

[@andreallen3848]

Has anyone replaced the driver side back window everything i have found was just for the front window.

[@vikinglord7545]

Local car parts dealers (Canadian Tire for one) wanted $30 apiece for the rollers. I bought a bag of 10 of them off eBay for cheaper than that. They are apparently Volvo parts. Looks like access to them is a little easier on a 9-3. My 9-5 was a pain in the ass to do, especially with large hands.

[@Eeuroparts]

Buy them from us! Don't end up with more than you need! www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/9484/Window-Roller-4493433A/

[@krombopulosmichael8406]

Got my door smashed in. Now it's stuck shut. Going to have to rip out the panel and see what I can do.

[@lukas88lag1]

Is there any good way to reattach this window molding? Maybe some DIY? :) I just fail this step and now I have small problem to reattach this piece of ... Did you use any lubricants to press door card between this window molding? Thanks in advance for an answer.

[@screwit8408]

All I did was slide the molding onto the door panel and install it as a set starting from the top.

[@screwit8408]

3:09 Actually, I found it easier to remove the door panel with that molding, it's a 1997 9-5 though... Had no problem when reinstalling. Also, I removed the security pins on the rollers upon installation, slided the rollers in place and then inserted the pin. Make sure to have the pin grooves of the rollers in the vertical position. It makes it easier to install them. That way you don't have to squeeze the rollers to hear those two pop sounds.

[@RealWorldPrint]

When you are putting the green rollers in you show, but don't say, that you need to hear TWO clicks as the ball joint locks into the roller, and this is why you need to use the channel locks. If you only do one click the whole thing will stay loose and you'll break the new rollers.

[@mattkaustickomments]

This must be what happened to me. Damn new Dorman 74404 replacement rollers just broke on me. Any hints on how to get the cotter pins back on without a fuss?

[@robinforrest7680]

Me too. Just waiting for the new rollers to arrive. I do worry though that the scissor bars appear slightly bent. I've done my best to bend them back to an acceptable position but I fear if it's not right it will put extra strain on the rollers and they'll break again. Any tips? I wish someone made a better roller, from brass say. They are pretty fragile.

[@edwardtupper6374]

@@robinforrest7680 my thoughts exactly

[@TJ_Hack3r]

Does anyone know where I can find that rubber guide molding for the door? My driver window rattles when its rolled down and someone somewhere didn't put it back after they replaced the window rollers

[@Eeuroparts]

www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/52682/Window-Seal-Front-4853818/

[@bunnybrain]

gonna have to try this in the weekend... just bought a 2007 9-5 vector and as i was winding the windows down after it had been standing in the sun for hours, the passengerside window suddenly startet to tilt forwards and got stuck. Had to carefully move it up by hand and then put the roller up again to hold it in place... really irritating when you've only had the car 5 days and it was fine when i bought it.

[@bunnybrain]

also felt like the winow actually detached from the runners altogether, but i'm not sure yet...

[@Alexandr_Silver]

I bought a 9-5 and the passenger window started to tilt the second day after purchase. I guess saabs just like to troll their owners with these trickes hehe. Good luck in repairs!

[@joburke597]

I heard this was a problem, but just hit 200,000 miles on my 06 before this happened. Never happened on my 01 with 250K.

[@brettkramer]

Does anyone know what that bead of adhesive is that holds the vapor barrier in place? My bead of adhesive needs to be replaced and I'd like to get the right thing.

[@richardcoles2432]

Here in the UK we use refix tape not double sided tape (bodyshop stuff) it's very thin and you place it on the car door 1st..you can do it easily and then remove the very thin top layer which just leaves a very sticky residue (like thin sellotape if you like) you could use spray tack from an aerosol but it's messy...normal double sided tape will not work btw..it is very important to keep out moisture and its more important than people think..it's there for a reason to stop your door card turning to mush.

[@brettkramer]

@@richardcoles2432 Thanks!

[@brandonrozetta1904]

Is this similar to do on a 03-11 9-3 cause none of my windows work at all

[@Eeuroparts]

Unfortunately these are a much different design, and you must replace the entire window regulator. Here's a link to help in your shopping. www.eeuroparts.com/Cars/SAAB/1884/2005-9-3-Aero-2-0L-4-Cyl-16-Valve-Turbo/?search=window+regulator However, if NONE of your windows work at all, you may be looking for a fault elsewhere, such as a broken window switch

[@edwardtupper6374]

Recently replaced our rollers, the rearmost one keeps popping off. Tried grease on the track tried bending the regulator arms slightly, have had it apart four times now

[@prestonlatham7179]

Me too I'm on my 3rd round! I think once I bent the arms I fd it up

[@woltergrant]

You find any solution to this? I’m having the same problem. If I can’t figure it out the next step is to replace the arms in case they are bent...if that is what you did, were you able to find a guide for doing this?

[@woltergrant]

@@prestonlatham7179 You find any solution to this? I’m having the same problem. If I can’t figure it out the next step is to replace the arms in case they are bent...if that is what you did, were you able to find a guide for doing this?

[@robinforrest7680]

@@woltergrant Same problem with mine. They just keep breaking.I figured I’d be smart and replace them with something more substantial. So I removed the stubs from the arms and replaced them with bolts. Replaced the rollers with stainless steel washers the right size. I thought that would solve it but as the window goes past the halfway point it seems to resist and the whole inner door frame seems to bend.it’s driving me nuts. I just can’t work out what’s going on… help!!

[@alexhamilton4084]

My driver door window goes down but won’t come back up unless I pull it up as I’m pressing the button. Does anyone know what causes this?

[@haint7709]

It's offtrack. Someone posted that if you remove the speaker so you can get to the window, wiggle it back and forth until it pops back in trim They suggest you clean rubber trim before trying this as it gets sticky with age.

[@dalebennion879]

Thank you, this video helped me although FRONT AND REAR rubber guides can both/either come out when rollers breaks. I did have to laugh about the amount of adhesive the guy in this video used on the rubber guide. A little dab of adhesive (RTV or 3m weather strip adh.) will do you, I don't think the mfg. used any glue so half a tube certainly isn't necessary.

[@kennys7361]

Can you share where to buy these little rollers. I have a 2003 9-5 aero

[@bd8361]

www.ebay.com/itm/20x-Window-Regulator-Rollers-Sliding-Block-In-Window-Channel-For-Volvo-For-Saab/233207893169?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[@kennys7361]

@@bd8361 thank you!

[@macsdaddy3383]

Thanks. I wanted to see what I just paid my Saab mechanic last week $230.00 to fix on my '07 9-5. You and he, unlike I, have the time, tools, know-how and hand experience to do the job correctly. I am just curious, what does the roller part cost? You pricing.

[@joburke597]

Doesn't seem too hard of a job ... the rollers were less than $2 each.

[@brettkramer]

They range in price from around $2 to almost $9, I picked a couple up at my local AutoZone for around $6.50 each.

[@Ugc-ri4tw]

you forgot to mention the two torks screws on bottom near courtesy light to remove rest of door panel don't you hate comments like this me too lol

[@vladlitvyak9982]

ок

[@richardlague8079]

DO NOT TAKE THE WIRE CLIP OF THE GREEN ROLLER!!!!....you do not take the wire clips off the green roller.......unless you want to make the job a lot harder. leave the clip on and us pliers to snap in in place. You will hear 2 clicks.

[@haint7709]

Once all is seated, pull clip up one detent. This will lock arm into place. Look at a spare and see how pincher will settle in notch of arm.

[@sirsmeghead]

For me there wasn’t this option, didn’t have access to any pliers when I did this my first time while in vacation in Germany a week ago

[@jojo-bu2sy]

my saab makes me sob

[@yojomojo6262]

Looks a pain in the ass to do

[@Eeuroparts]

1000x easier than having to do an entire window regulator.