FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Windshield and Rear Window

Figure 2:




Begin the water test by starting at a bottom corner of the glass. Move slowly across the bottom toward the other corner, up the side and across the top (Figure 2).

Figure 3:




On vehicles having a visible rubber weatherstrip, it may be helpful to isolate the leak. It will be either between the glass and rubber weatherstrip, or between the weatherstrip and the sheet metal. Do this by carefully aiming the water-stream or by using masking tape directing water to fall only on the glass side (or sheet metal side) of the rubber weatherstrip (Figure 3). Stop when leakage appears inside. This will pinpoint the leaking area. Dry thoroughly before applying sealer.

Occasionally, the inside mouldings may have to be removed prior to water testing. With mouldings installed, you may not be able to pinpoint the leak source, since the water can build up in mouldings prior to dripping in the vehicle.

Figure 4:




Windshield Repair Procedures

If a moulding and a weatherstrip is visible on the vehicle, insert the applicator nozzle between the rubber and the moulding (Figure 4). Squeeze a bead of sealer while moving the applicator along the outside edge.

If the leak still exists, dry the area and squeeze sealer between glass and rubber. Verify the seal by water testing again.

If the problem is not corrected, remove the outer moulding and check moulding clip installation and gaps.

If the vehicle lacks a weatherstrip on the exterior windshield or rear window outside edge, squeeze sealer between glass and moulding. If this does not correct the leak, remove outer mouldings. Inspect the area for moulding clip installation and gaps. For moulding removal and installation, refer to the appropriate service manual.