Liftgate Window Glass: Service and Repair

Rear Hatch Glass

Removal

CAUTION:
- Use covers to avoid damaging the body.
- Wear gloves to remove and install the glass.
- Do not damage the defroster grid lines.
- Take care not scratch or score the molding.

1. Remove the rear hatch assembly from the body.
2. Using an awl, make a hole through the adhesive and outer/inner rubber dams from the inside, at the top of the glass. Push piano wire through the hole, and wrap each end around a piece of wood.
3. Apply the protective tape along the edge of the rear hatch frame as shown.
4. With a helper holding the glass, pull the piano wire back and forth in a sawing motion and carefully cut through the adhesive along the top and the sides of the glass.






CAUTION: Hold the piano wire as close to the glass as possible to prevent damage to the rear hatch frame.

Installation

NOTE:
- Do not scrape down to the painted surface of the hatch frame; damaged paint will interfere with proper bonding.
- Mask off surrounding surfaces before painting.

1. Use a putty knife to scrape off all traces of old adhesive and outer/inner rubber dams, then clean the rear hatch frame and glass (new) surface with alcohol where new adhesive is to be applied.

NOTE: Make sure the bonding surface is kept free of water, oil and grease.






CAUTION: Avoid setting the glass on its edges; small chips may later develop into cracks.

2. Install the rear hatch frame, and adjust it fit to the weatherstrip and engine cover seal.






NOTE: Do not install the support struts.

3. Glue the outer and inner rubber dams to the inside face of the glass, as shown, to contain the adhesive during installation.






NOTE:
- Align the center of the gluing surface with the printed dots.
- Be careful not to touch the glass where adhesive will be applied.
- Mask off surrounding surfaces before applying primer.

4. Place the glass gently on the rear hatch frame, then center it in the opening. Make alignment marks by marking lines across the glass and body with a grease pencil at the four points shown.






NOTE: Put several spacers between glass and rear hatch air scoop to prevent the glass from sliding down.

5. With a brush, apply a light coat of glass primer to the glass as shown, then lightly wipe it off with gauze or cheesecloth.






NOTE:
- Do not apply body primer to the glass, and do not get body and glass primer brushes mixed up.
- Never touch the primed surfaces with your hands. If you do, the adhesive may not bond to the glass properly, causing a leak after the glass is installed.
- Keep water, dust, and abrasive materials away from the primed surface.

6. With a brush, apply a light coat of body primer to the original adhesive remaining around the rear hatch frame.






NOTE:
- Make sure the surface is kept free of water, oil and grease.
- Do not apply glass primer to the body, and be careful not to mix up glass and body primer brushes.
- Never touch the primed surfaces with your hands.

7. Thoroughly mix the adhesive and hardener together on a glass or metal plate.

NOTE:
- Clean the plate with a sponge and alcohol before mixing.
- Follow the instructions that came with the adhesive.




8. Before filling a cartridge, cut the end of the nozzle as shown.




9. Pack adhesive into the cartridge without air pockets to ensure continuous delivery. Put the cartridge in a calking gun, and run a bead of adhesive around the edge of the glass as shown.

10. Use suction cups to hold the glass over the opening, align it with the alignment marks made in step 4 and set it down on the adhesive. Lightly push on the glass until its edges are fully seated on the adhesive all the way around.






NOTE: Do not open or close the doors until the adhesive is dry.

11. Scrape or wipe the excess adhesive off with a putty knife or towel.

NOTE: Use a soft shop towel dampened with alcohol to remove adhesive from a painted surface or glass.

12. After the adhesive is dry, spray water over the glass and check for leaks. Mark leaking areas and let the glass dry, then seal with sealant.

NOTE: Let the car stand for at least four hours after glass installation. If the car has to be used within the first four hours, it must be driven slowly.

13. Remove the spacers.
14. Install the support struts.