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. If equipped with a parcel shelf mounted stoplamp, remove the parcel shelf mounted stoplamp.
2. Disconnect the LH and RH rear defrost electrical connectors.
3. Lower the headliner near the rear window glass and support it with a suitable support.
4. Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove any dirt or foreign material from the pinch weld.







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

Using the special tool, place the flat side of the knife against the rear window glass. Start at the top center and work out and down the pillars to the lower corners.







6. Install the special tool into the top of the rear window glass and inflate. Cut from corner to corner along the bottom of rear window glass.
7. Remove the rear window glass.
8. Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove any dirt or 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 temperature 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.
- Allow for a 5mm gap between roof, body sides and the rear window glass.

1. Dry fit the rear window glass to the existing urethane adhesive on the body pinch weld. Align the glass in the opening for a uniform fit.
2. Use a non-permanent pencil to make alignment marks to aid in the installation alignment of the rear window glass.
3. Remove the rear window glass.







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

Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1 mm to 2 mm base of original equipment urethane on the pinchweld.

5. If installing the original rear window glass, remove the excess urethane adhesive.
6. Clean the rear window glass with a non-alcohol based window cleaner.

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 in this procedure.

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 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 continuous bead.

Apply urethane adhesive on top of the existing 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. Install the rear window glass on the pinch weld. Align the rear window glass to the body using the alignment marks.

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

After the urethane adhesive 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. Install the headliner.
13. Connect the LH and RH rear window defrost connectors.
14. If equipped with a parcel shelf mounted stoplamp, install the parcel shelf mounted stoplamp.