So I'm finally getting around to doing this...
My broken window bracket looks exactly like the photo Mikey1273 posted.
I think I'm going to buy the Steiger replacement, but I'm wondering about all the hoo-ha with machining the head off that rivet, and doing all the rest of the work that involves altering what's there. I'm still not sure why all of that is necessary. It seems like the spring/screw moves freely in its housing and you only need to attach the Steiger bracket onto the end of that coil. I assume I'm missing some important piece of information as to why this is necessary?
I saw a video on YouTube of someone replacing the plastic bracket (albeit with another plastic one -?!) by just bending the metal at the end of the metal channel that holds the tube, removing the rubber plug, and sliding the flexible "screw" out to attach the new bracket. Does this allow one to avoid all that rivet removal, etc.?
Has anyone tried this (bending the end of the channel and removing the rubber plug to get at the coil/spring/flex-screw)? It looks a LOT easier than all the stuff the Steiger DIY PDF suggests doing.
The other option is just getting the window regulator that utilizes a more standard cable system instead of that screw drive.
I have already removed the old regulator, and found that some nit-wit cut out the pin that holds the bracket to the window clip and attached the two pieces with a hose clamp.
I'm hoping I'll be able to put a small bolt in there so I can use the clip to attach the bracket to the window clip as was previously engineered (or perhaps I'll just but the bolt all the way through the bracket and clip holes).
LINKS:
Here is a part similar to the Steiger part for less than 1/3 the cost ($34 shipped vs. $99 plus shipping), though I assume it's crap from china. Still, it's metal and should work better than the plastic OEM part.
http://www.autoandart.com/02-06-jeep-liberty-new-drivers-rear-power-window-regulator-repair-assembly-kit/Here is the exact same part from the same seller at an even cheaper price (1/4 the price of the Steiger part!) and no shipping charge ($25 and free shipping).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Passengers-Rear-Power-Window-Regulator-Repair-Kit-02-06-Jeep-Liberty-/390616478583?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AJeep|Model%3ALiberty&hash=item5af28e7377&vxp=mtr#vi-ilCompHere is the replacement
cable system window regulator that replaces the "screw drive" originally in the vehicle. It's still a plastic bracket and I'm not sure how well it performs, but it does eliminate the screw drive in the tube that fails in more ways than just the bracket breaking. The exact same part is sold by many places, but this eBay link is the cheapest I've found it. (under $60)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Window-Regulator-w-Motor-Rear-LH-Left-Driver-Side-for-02-06-Jeep-Liberty-/310695184014The new cable system is certainly an easier fix than all the rivet removal, etc. in the Steiger instructions, and I would have a new motor and parts (though they look pretty flimsy), but it still leaves you with a plastic window bracket, so I'm not sure which is the best way to go. Is the screw drive better than the cable system? I am certain that a metal bracket is better than a plastic one.