Window Glass - Rear: Installation

CAUTION: When installing urethane-installed glass parts, the vehicle must not be driven until the urethane has cured. Adequate cure time is specified on the drive away chart for each urethane product as the temperature and humidity vary. Inadequate or incorrect curing can adversely affect the retention of the rear window glass.

NOTE: For additional material guidelines, refer to the manufacturer's installation information.

NOTE: Allow for a 5 mm (0.2 in) gap between roof, body sides and the rear window glass.

Dry fit the rear window glass to the existing urethane adhesive on the body pinch weld. Align the glass in the opening for a uniform fit.
Use a non-permanent pencil to make alignment marks to aid in the installation alignment of the rear window glass.
Remove the rear window glass.

NOTE: Avoid scratching the pinch weld. For minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld, see manufacturer's recommendations.

Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1 mm to 2 mm base of original equipment urethane on the pinchweld.

Fig 1: Measuring Urethane With Appropriate Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If installing the original rear window glass, remove the excess urethane adhesive.
Clean the rear window glass with a non-alcohol based window cleaner.

CAUTION: Be sure to use the same brand and cure-rate products for the adhesive and primer. Do not mix different brands of urethane and primer. Refer to the Material Chart in this procedure.

NOTE: Sika uses the same black primer for the glass and pinch weld area.

If installing a new rear window glass, apply urethane glass primer according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.
Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.

Fig 2: Cutting Urethane Adhesive Applicator Tip (With Specifications)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Use either a high-ratio, electric or battery-operated caulk gun that will apply the urethane with less effort and continuous bead.

Apply urethane adhesive on top of the existing urethane adhesive bead on the pinch weld. Make sure that all gaps in the urethane adhesive are smoothed into one continuous bead starting and ending at the bottom of the rear window glass near the center.

Fig 3: Applying Urethane Adhesive (With Specifications)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the rear window glass on the pinch weld. Align the rear window glass to the body using the alignment marks.

Fig 4: Installing Rear Window Glass

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

After the urethane adhesive has cured, check the rear window glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
Install the headliner.
Connect the LH and RH rear window defrost connectors.
If equipped with a parcel shelf mounted stoplamp, install the parcel shelf mounted stoplamp. For additional information, refer to EXTERIOR LIGHTING article.