Zumkopf

The Windows of my A8 have gotten slow and balky from lack of use. Is there any effective way to lube the mechanisms and tracks without tearing the door apart?

Zumkopf
1998 A8Q 144k

jfrahm

You cannot see much without taking the door apart. I do not think the regulator assembly would lack for lubrication but maybe the tracks would, it's a good idea to hit these with silicone or maybe even spray lithium (suggestions welcome).

If a window is really balky it's probably got a broken upper pulley, these are nylon and larger on the D2 than on other VAG cars. And they taco and break. The cable then can get stuck or run over the metal hub and tear all that stuff up.
This upper pulley can be replaced with a metal one for under $10 once the mechanism is on the bench (door apart, window frame off, glass out) but if the cable is damaged it's too late for that regulator. But a used regulator could be upgraded with a metal pulley (and IMO should be) before installing as you will observe cracks in the stupid-big upper pulley on a used regulator. I'd prefer an upgraded used regulator to a new $250 one although a new one would probably last 10 years before taco-time.

spitanddirt

On my 2000, my rear driver window lift cable got tangled and bound up the workings. The only way to undo the damage( at least prevent the window from rolling down) is to completely remove the door panel and remove the window track and motor subassembly. There isn't a quicker way to lubricate the mechanism if you want to do it right. But, on the bright side, the disassembly is pretty straight forward. I might even say that it's easier with the entire window frame and motor separated from the door. Just mark all your bolt adjustment bolt positions with a permanant marker before you loosen the window frame subassembly.