Replacing broken window crank on a VW Golf

Very straight forward job - just be careful not to damage the fabric on the door card.

Approx. time: 5mins
Cost: $5AUD

Step 1 - Match the position of the crank with that of the opposite door

This is just for looks. If possible wind both windows down and observe the position and angle of the crank on the door opposite to the one you're working on. This is just so you can match the position on the crank you're replacing.

Step 2 - Carefully lever off the plastic surround at the base of the crank

The plastic surrounding the winder is just clipped into place. Use a flat head screw driver to lever it off around the base of the crank to expose the screw holding it in place. Be careful not to damage the cloth on the door card. The plastic will not separate from the winder completely as the handle part of the crank cannot be removed.

Note: Some winders have a cover that unclips. to reveal the screw.

Remove window winder plastic surround

Step 3 - Unscrew the old crank

Simply unscrew the winder at the crank with a Philips head screw driver. It's good to have the windows in the down position so you're not actually winding the window as you're turning the screw.

Unscrew window crank

Step 4 - Unclip the plastic surround from the new crank and screw into place

Just the reverse of above. Position the new crank inline with the crank on the opposite door and tighten the screw. Ensure that the new winder does not scrape against the door card and fabric. If it does, back off the screw a little or consider trimming the plastic on the crank.

First published: 13/04/19
Last updated: 17/07/22

Back to guides