How to Replace the Window in a Chevy Tahoe Door
by Russell WoodWhen the Chevrolet Tahoe was first introduced in the mid-1990s, it became a popular alternative to the longer Suburban because of its smaller turning radius and shorter length. That also makes them a popular target for thieves, and if you ever have a window broken out for any reason or just want to swap out your glass, replacing one isn't a huge deal. It can be a bit frustrating, but you can do it in your own garage with a few hand tools.
Step 1
Open the door, place the blade of the screwdriver behind the lock switch on the door panel and pop it out of the door panel. Repeat this process for the trim panel around the power window switches and the interior door handle, pulling both of those pieces off of the door.
Step 2
Unbolt the door panel from the door using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. There are bolts behind the door lock and in the corners of the panel. If this is a front-door panel, pull off the triangular panel that covers the mirror bolts using your hands. Then lift the door panel up towards the top of the door, and then pull it off the door.
Step 3
Plug in the window switches again to the harness on the door. Roll the window down halfway until you can see the bolts that clamp the window in place through the access holes. There are two 10mm bolts that clamp the window to the window track, and there are access holes that allow you to unbolt those clamps using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the clamps at this point.
Step 4
Pull up the rear of the window--the section toward the back of the Tahoe--and tilt the window up so that it is oriented perpendicular to its normal position. Pull the window out of the door panel, tilting it in towards the interior of the vehicle.
Step 5
Slide the replacement window in place in the same manner you pulled out the stock window. Tilt the window back into the clamps, then loosely tighten the clamps in place. Roll the window up and down a few times to make sure it fits correctly, then tighten down the clamps on the window using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Reassemble the door panel in the reverse order of disassembly.
Things You'll Need
- Flat-head screwdriver
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket
- Replacement window
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
