Window Glass - Liftgate: Installation
NOTE:
For additional material guidelines, refer to the manufacturer's installation information.
- Dry fit the liftgate window glass to the existing urethane adhesive bead on the body pinch weld. Align the liftgate window glass in the opening for a uniform fit.
- Use a non-permanent pencil to make alignment marks on the liftgate window glass at the setting blocks and the body to aid in the installation alignment of the liftgate window glass.
- Remove the liftgate window glass.
- Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1 mm to 2 mm (0.04 in to 0.08 in) base of original equipment urethane on the pinchweld.
- If installing the original liftgate window glass, remove the excess urethane adhesive.
- Clean the inside of the liftgate window glass surface with glass cleaner.
- If installing a new liftgate 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.
- 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 liftgate window glass opening near the center.
- Install the liftgate window glass on the vehicle aligning it with the markings made previously.
- After the urethane has cured, check the liftgate window glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
- Install the liftgate trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
WARNING:
Repair any corrosion found on the pinch weld. The pinch weld is a structural component of the vehicle. Corrosion left unrepaired 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 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 continuous bead.
NOTE:
Before the urethane has set, partially lower the windows to prevent the glass from being pushed out of position when a door is closed.
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).