Liftgate Window Glass: Service and Repair
WINDOW GLASS - LIFTGATESpecial Tool(s):
Special Tool(s)
Material:
Material
Removal
WARNING: To prevent glass splinters from entering eyes or cutting hands, wear safety glasses and heavy gloves when cutting glass from the vehicle. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
1. Remove the liftgate window wiper arm and motor.
2. Remove the liftgate spoiler.
3. Remove the liftgate trim panel.
4. Disconnect the 2 liftgate window defrost electrical connectors.
5. NOTE: Lubricate the existing urethane adhesive with water to aid the special tool while cutting.
Using the special tool, place the flat side of the knife against the liftgate window glass. Start cutting the adhesive away from the liftgate window glass at the top and work toward the corners.
6. Using the special tool, distance the liftgate window glass from the body.
7. Using the special tool, cut the remaining urethane adhesive and remove the liftgate 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, vehicle must not be driven until urethane has cured. Adequate cure time is specified on the drive away chart for each urethane product as temperatures and humidity vary. Inadequate or incorrect curing can adversely affect retention of the windshield.
NOTE: For additional material guidelines, refer to the manufacturer's installation information.
1. Dry fit the liftgate window glass to the existing urethane adhesive bead on the body pinch weld.
2. For a uniform fit, use the 2 liftgate window glass alignment pins to align the liftgate window glass in the opening.
3. Remove the liftgate window glass.
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 mm (0.03 in) to 2 mm (0.07 in) base of original equipment urethane on the pinch weld.
5. If installing the original liftgate window glass, remove the excess urethane adhesive.
6. Clean the inside of the liftgate window glass surface with glass cleaner.
7. CAUTION: Be sure to use the same brand and cure-rate products for adhesive and primer. Do not mix different brands of urethane and primer.
NOTE: Sika uses the same black primer for the glass and pinch weld area.
If installing a new liftgate window glass, apply urethane glass primer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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 liftgate window glass opening near the center.
10. NOTE: Before the urethane has set, partially lower the windows to prevent the glass from being pushed out of position when a door is closed.
Install the liftgate window glass on the vehicle using the alignment pins.
11. CAUTION: When installing urethane-installed glass parts, the vehicle must not be driven until urethane has cured. Adequate cure time is specified on the drive away chart for each urethane product as temperatures and humidity vary. Inadequate or incorrect curing can adversely affect retention of the rear window glass.
After the urethane has cured, check the liftgate window glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
12. Connect the 2 liftgate window defrost electrical connectors.
13. Install the liftgate trim panel.
14. Install the liftgate spoiler.
15. Install the liftgate window wiper arm and motor.