Back Window Glass: Service and Repair
REMOVALNot Reusing Rear Window Glass
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the C-pillar trim.
3. Remove the rear package rear trim.
4. Remove the rear window lower molding.
5. Cut the lip of the rear window molding using a razor knife and remove the lip.
6. Apply protective tape along the edge of the body to protect it from damage.
7. Use a tool like that shown in the figure and insert the blade into the sealant.
8. Pull it through the sealant around the edge of the glass.
9. Remove the glass.
Reusing Rear Window Glass
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the C-pillar trim.
3. Remove the rear package rear trim.
4. Remove the rear window lower molding.
5. Cut the lip of the rear window molding using a razor knife and remove the lip.
6. Apply protective tape along the edge of the body to protect it from damage.
7. Apply protective tape along the rear edge of the headliner to protect it from damage.
8. Make a hole through the sealant from the inside of the vehicle using an awl.
9. Pass the SST (piano wire) through the hole.
10. Wind each end of the wire around a bar.
11. Working with another person, saw through the sealant around the edge of the glass. Use a long sawing action to spread the work over the whole length of wire to prevent it from breaking. Make sure the wire does not rub on the body.
12. Remove the glass.
13. Remove the spacer A, spacer B, spacer C and dam.
14. Remove the rear window molding from the glass.
INSTALLATION
1. Cut away the old sealant using a razor knife so that 1 to 2 mm {0.04 to 0.08 in} of sealant remains around the circumference of the frame.
- If all the sealant has come oft in any one place, apply some primer after degreasing, and allow it 30 minutes to dry.
- Then put on new sealant to create a 2 mm {0.08 in} layer.
2. Carefully clean an area 50 mm {1.97 in} wide around the circumference of the glass and clean the bonding area on the body.
3. Securely bond a new dam along the circumference of the glass 14.5 mm {0.57 in} from the edge. Allow it to dry completely.
4. Install the spacers B onto the glass as shown.
5. Apply primer to the bonding area of the molding, glass, and body using a brush. Use only glass primer on the glass, and body primer on the body and molding. Keep the area free of dirt and grease, and do not touch the surface. Allow it to dry for approximately 30 minutes.
6. Install the spacers A to the mounting holes in the body.
7. Install the spacers C at the end of the curve.
8. Temporarily install the glass onto the body and adjust the glass-to-body clearance as indicated.
9. Mark the glass at the spacers A.
10. Remove the glass.
11. After the primer has dried, install the rear window molding to the glass.
12. Apply an 11 mm {0.43 in} high bead of sealant around the entire circumference of the glass as shown. Keep the bead of sealant smooth and even, shaping it with a spatula where necessary.
- If the windshield is being reused, apply new sealant over the original.
13. Align the glass marks with the V-notches in the spacers A and install the glass to the body.
14. Press firmly on the glass to compress the sealant.
15. To prevent the glass from being pushed out by air pressure if a door is closed, open all of the windows until the sealant has hardened.
16. Use a scraper to smooth away any sealant that oozes out. Add more sealant to any points of poor contact.
17. Inspect for water leaks.
- If a leak is found, wipe the water off well and remove the rear window glass. Install the rear window glass.
18. Install the rear window lower molding.
19. Install the rear package rear trim.
20. Install the C-pillar trim.