Windshield: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION

Windshields are made of two pieces of glass with a plastic inner layer. Windshields and selected stationary glass are structural members of the vehicle. The windshield glass is bonded to the windshield frame with urethane adhesive.

Windshields and other stationary glass protect the occupants from the effects of the elements. Windshields are also used to retain some airbags in position during deployment.

The windshield is attached to the window frame with urethane adhesive. The urethane adhesive is applied cold and seals the surface area between the window opening and the glass. The primer adheres the urethane adhesive to the windshield.

It is difficult to salvage a windshield during the removal operation. The windshield is part of the structural support for the roof. The urethane bonding used to secure the windshield to the fence is difficult to cut or clean from any surface. If the moldings are set in urethane, it would also be unlikely they could be salvaged. Before removing the windshield, check the availability of the windshield and moldings from the parts supplier.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS AND ADHESIVE

- Fein(R) Power Cutout Knife
- Equalizer(R) Magnum, Interior Auto Glass Cut Out Knife

ADHESIVE, PRIMER AND CLEANER

The urethane adhesive holding the windshield to the opening pinch weld (fence) can be cut using a sharp cold knife from the exterior of the vehicle. Using the cold knife method is effective if the windshield is already broken. If the glass must be salvaged, cutting the urethane adhesive from the interior of the vehicle using a reciprocating or oscillating power knife is recommended.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS AND ADHESIVE

The following urethane adhesive systems are OEM certified and conform to the FMVSS 212 windshield retention standard and the FMVSS 216 roof crush standard.