Back Window Glass: Service and Repair

REAR WINDOW GLASS

Special Tool(s):

Special Tool(s)

Removal

WARNING: To prevent glass splinters from entering the eyes or cutting the hands, wear safety glasses and heavy gloves when cutting the glass from the vehicle. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

1. Remove the rear quarter trim panel.
2. Disconnect the 3 rear window glass electrical connectors.
3. Lower the rear portion of the headliner.
4. Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove the dirt and foreign material from the pinch weld.







5. NOTE: Lubricate the existing urethane adhesive with water to aid the special tool while cutting.

Using the special tool, starting at the top center of the rear window glass, cut the urethane adhesive away from the glass and work down the sides.







6. Using the special tool, distance the rear window glass from the body.
7. Using the special tool, cut the remaining urethane adhesive and remove the rear window glass.
8. Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove the dirt and foreign material from the pinch weld.

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 temperatures 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.

1. Dry fit the rear window glass to the existing urethane bed on the body pinch weld. Align the rear window glass in the opening for a uniform fit.
2. Use tape or non-permanent marking pencil to make alignment marks on the rear window glass (preferably at the setting blocks), and the body to aid in the installation alignment of the rear window glass.
3. After alignment, remove the rear window glass and moulding from the vehicle and place them on a stable work surface.

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

Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in) base of the original equipment urethane on the pinch weld.

5. If reinstalling the original rear window glass, remove any excess urethane adhesive.
6. Clean the inside of the rear window glass surface with an alcohol-free cleaner to make sure the ceramic-coated area is clean.

7. 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.

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 the manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.







8. Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.







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

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 rear window glass near the center.

10. CAUTION: Open the windows to prevent the rear window glass from being pushed out by air pressure if a door is closed.

Install the rear window glass on the pinch weld. Align the rear window glass to the body using the alignment marks while pushing downward to set the stops.

11. 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 temperatures and humidity vary. Inadequate or incorrect curing can adversely affect the retention of the rear window glass.

After the urethane has cured, check the rear window glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.

12. Position the headliner.
13. Connect the 3 rear window glass electrical connectors.
14. Install the quarter trim panel.