Windshield Glass: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Dry fit the windshield glass on the existing urethane bead on the pinch weld.
- Position the windshield glass on the pinch weld.
- Center the windshield glass in the opening.
- Adjust the windshield glass stop blocks (if equipped) as needed for best fit.
- Make alignment marks with tape or non-staining grease pencil (preferably at the windshield glass stop blocks, if equipped) on the windshield glass and the body.
- After the dry-fit alignment, remove the glass from the windshield opening and place on a stable work surface with the interior side of the glass facing up.
- Using a clean shop towel, brush or oil-free compressed air, clean the pinch weld area around the existing urethane. Remove any foreign material or water that may have entered during windshield removal.
- Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in) base of original equipment urethane on the pinch weld.
- If reinstalling the same windshield glass, remove the remaining urethane adhesive from the glass leaving a thin layer to bond with the new urethane bead.
- Clean the inside of the glass surface with glass cleaner.
- If installing a new windshield glass, apply urethane glass primer according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.
- Cut the urethane applicator tip to specification.
- Apply urethane adhesive on top of the existing trimmed 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 windshield near the center.
- Position the windshield glass, aligning the marks made previously.
- Check the installation for air and water leaks through the urethane bond and add urethane adhesive where needed.
- Install the A-pillar trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
- Install the inside rear view mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS article.
- Install the sun visor clips.
- Install the sun visors.
- Install the windshield wiper pivot arms. For additional information, refer to WIPERS AND WASHERS article.
WARNING:
Repair any corrosion found on the pinch weld. The pinch weld is a structural component of the vehicle. Corrosion left un-repaired may reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
NOTE:
Avoid scratching the pinch weld. For minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld, see the manufacturer's recommendations.
NOTE:
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.
NOTE:
Use either a high-ratio, electric or battery-operated caulk gun that will apply the urethane with less effort and a continuous bead.
WARNING:
Do not drive vehicle until the urethane seal has cured. Follow urethane manufacturer's curing directions. Inadequate or incorrect curing of the urethane seal will adversely affect glass retention. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
CAUTION:
Before positioning the windshield glass, open vehicle window to prevent the air pressure of closing doors from affecting the adhesive bond.
NOTE:
The urethane adhesive must cure for a minimum of one hour before testing for air or water leaks.