Rear sliding window latch broken

So I just picked up a 2005 double cab tacoma trd offroad, and the last owner didn't really seem to care about it that much.Its got a lot of dents and just a good amount of cosmetic things wrong with it, but its a good driving truck and starts right up. One thing that is wrong with it is the rear sliding window latch. The stationary part that the sliding latch hooks onto seems to be missing. Ive heard that there is no way to get a part number for it but you can get a whole new rear window. I don't really want to have to buy a whole new window if I can just get the one part. Heres a picture, sorry about the lighting.

 

I've tried to repair mine with super glue, plastic repair, etc. It just wont hold up, especially if people slam that window shut. Sorry to say the only replacement toyota will offer you is an entire new window.

If all you want is a way to secure the window, there is a repair to this.

Go to a local hardware store, buy some dowels (3/8"?), measure the track length on each side of the window when its closed properly and cut to length, then place the dowels inside the tracks to prevent the window from moving. Whenever you need to open the window, remove the dowel on the left side and keep it somewhere you can find it. I used electrical tape to create a tab so that it is easier to pull out.

 

Thanks for the info! I think my parents will probably make me get a whole new window for who knows why (I'm 17). Anyways, thanks! I might try to go to a junkyard to find a replacement part and try and hold it on there as best as I possibly can...

 

^Truth is, even the OEM latch isn't all that secure, simply because the window frame is flexible. Mattgecko sells a security bar: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sliding-window-security-bar.245434/ You can wrap the bar in some heatshrink if it rattles (window track width can be uneven).

 

How about a junkyard for a whole rear window instead of the dealer?

 

Get a single rear window and new seal.

 

This is one of those faulty parts on this gen that will break eventually unless if you never open the rear window. New windows are expensive. A dowel costs less than a dollar.

 

I'm considering this, but I like that I can slide the rear window open when it gets hot (I live in TN)

 

Yeah... I might end up doing this. thanks for replying so fast!

 

yeah, I'm considering doing that because there is one close to where I live.

 

I might go with this... seems like the cheapest and easiest way to fix the problem

 

Mattgecko sells a quality product. I have one.

 

I bought a 3-foot alum rod from Home Depot for $7. Cut it down to 11 1/2 inches and slips nicely behind the sliding glass; dont need a tab as my finger lifts it up from the end easily. You can get a wooden dowel for 99 cents. A eBay vendor sells a kit but it is $35 and looks like a PIA to replace. The dowel seems more secure to me than the OEM 'lock'.

 

Made my own security bar out of some old 1" flat stock. Sanded and painted black. Then some silocone covers on the ends. Then ran some screws back in that latch just to hold the window trim on. Now the plan is to never open it again.

 

I have a 2010 and the whole plastic thingy came clean off. Toyota dealer quoted me almost $900. No way in hell I'm paying that. If a neighbor kid throws a baseball through the back window and mommy and daddy buy me a new window.

I just kind of slide the plastic thingy into place and shut the window. It keeps water and would-be stereo thieves out so far...

I was shocked when I found how much they wanted, and unless I find a junkyard 2nd gen with this window I will just live with it...

 

Did you ever find fix for your window latch? Dealer doesn't sell just latch. How was yours attached? I'm wondering if I can peel off and glue another on? Thx!

 

Old thread I know but researching other stuff and bradsautoglass has a video on just this issue. He shows how to remove and replace the latch strike with mirror adhesive so if yours is broken you could get one from the junkyard and attach it rather than buy a whole new window. Proper prep and the use of primer are keys to getting a good bond.

 

Hey there @bagleboy. Would you happen to have a link to the video you mentioned above? I have the same issue but can't find the vid.

 

How about riveting a steel tab in place of the one that broke off?

 

Here’s 2 videos on the center window install and latch replacement.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oQT4jJCPCzg
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MBoS0P4Z6ZY&list=PLrzc58U2TlRuOfaS-eu3TtXuaef94eATE&index=1