Liftgate Window Glass: Service and Repair

WINDOW GLASS - LIFTGATE

Special Tool(s):

Special Tool(s)

Material:

Material







Removal
1. Remove the rear window wiper motor.







2. Disconnect the 2 rear window defrost electrical connectors.
3. Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove the dirt and foreign material from the pinch weld.







4. 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.

CAUTION: Care must be taken to avoid scratching the pinch weld.

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

Using the special tool, cut the adhesive away from the liftgate window glass and remove the liftgate window glass.

5. Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove the dirt and foreign material from the pinch weld.

Installation

CAUTION: After installing the new urethane-installed liftgate window glass, the vehicle should not be driven until the urethane adhesive has cured. Refer to the drive away chart for the cure times as the temperatures and humidity vary. Inadequate curing of the urethane adhesive may adversely affect the strength of the urethane adhesive bond.

1. Dry-fit the liftgate window glass by centering it side-to-side and by adjusting the setting blocks (if equipped ) to get the correct position top and bottom. Use tape or non-permanent marking pencil to make alignment marks on the glass and the vehicle body.
2. After alignment, remove the rear window glass and molding assemblies from the vehicle and place them on a stable work surface.

3. CAUTION: Care must be taken to avoid scratching the pinch weld.

Trim the remaining urethane adhesive on the pinch weld using only the full-cut method. In this method, most of the existing urethane adhesive is removed, leaving a level bead around the entire pinch weld.

4. WARNING: Any rust found on the pinch weld must be removed and the pinch weld restored to OEM specifications. If surface rust is found, remove completely down to clean, bare metal. Prime pinch weld metal with an OEM recommended curing automotive paint primer and allow to cure correctly. If rust has penetrated through the pinch weld metal, repair the pinch weld sheet metal at a body shop before proceeding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

Check the pinch weld for damaged sheet metal, raised sheet metal at the spot welds, rust or foreign material that may cause glass breakage. Clean or repair surface as necessary.

5. If reinstalling the original liftgate window glass, remove any excess urethane adhesive.

6. 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 liftgate window glass, apply urethane glass primer according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.

7. If equipped, install Norton Foam Sealant 565 Black Foam Tape to the pinch weld area.







8. Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.







9. Apply a bead of urethane adhesive to the liftgate door glass on the primed area.

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 liftgate window glass.
- After the glass is set, check for water leaks and add urethane adhesive where needed.

11. Install the rear wiper motor.







12. Reconnect the 2 rear window defrost electrical connectors.