Do manual window winders use the same cables as electrics?

adherent · Postby **adherent** » Sat Sep 25, 2010 5:07 pm

So I just busted the window winder cable in my import NA. It turns out there were no Australian delivered MX5s with manual windows, so I assume I'll get a blank stare from mazda parts if I ask for a replacement cable.

Does anyone know if the cables for the electric windows are the same as for the manual windows? It seems likely ..

Also, inside the winder mechanism there's a large clockspring. Any suggestions on whether/how this should be tensioned in reassembly?

Thanks!

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sat Sep 25, 2010 6:17 pm

not sure if anything is interchangeable as from memory the regulators are different & the manual system weighs more.

Fatty · Postby **Fatty** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

i've heard this "the manual system weighs more" line on this forum a few times now. i can assure you that it does not. when i did the conversion to manual in my car, i held both items in my hands and there was no need to weigh them to check the difference, the manual system was noticeably lighter. i think it's another case of someone saying it once, then someone else repeating it, and so on and after a wile it has become accepted as "fact" that the manual system is heavier.

to address the original problem, yeah i doubt you'd have much luck with the local mazda dealer. but all is not lost. all the parts for the manual windows are available from mx5parts.co.uk

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:55 am

So, no shared components?

Fatty · Postby **Fatty** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 11:05 am

yeah , not interchangebale as the electric cables are longer.

just looking at the mx5parts website i can't find the manual cables. it looks like you have to buy the whole assembly!

mazdatenfive · Postby **mazdatenfive** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 12:34 pm

Just weighed my manual (1.2Kgs) and electric (1.7Kgs) assemblies and as you can see that the manual window winder assembly can save a total of 1kg in weight.

If you are interested I can sell you my manual winders.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 4:57 pm

Tks for the useful pics - I should've revisited the old thread then I would have seen Fatty's other response to the original suggestion!

adherent · Postby **adherent** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:48 pm

Thanks everyone for the info & pics. By printing out and laying over string it looks like one of the electric cables is longer and one is the same, and I think its the one thats broken, so I'll check prices with mazda tomorrow.

mazdatenfive, pm'd you about the winders.