Liftgate Window Glass: Service and Repair
LIFTGATE WINDOW GLASSSpecial Tool(s):
SPECIAL TOOL(S)
REMOVAL
1. Remove the rear window wiper and motor.
2. Remove the parts in the order indicated in the illustration and table.
Item 1: Liftgate Window Glass Removal Note
1. Remove the rear wiper motor.
2. Disconnect the two rear window defrost electrical connectors.
3. Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove the dirt and foreign material from the pinch weld.
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.
CAUTION: Care must be taken to avoid scratching the pinch weld.
4. 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
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Item 1: Liftgate Window Glass Installation Note
CAUTION: After installing the new urethane-installed liftgate window glass, the vehicle should not be driven until the urethane adhesive has cured. The curing time at temperatures above 13°C (55°F) and relative humidity above 50% is 12-24 hours. (Refer to the Essex 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.
CAUTION: Care must be taken to avoid scratching the pinch weld.
3. 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: All 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.
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. Use a wool applicator to apply urethane metal primer to any exposed metal on the pinch weld. Allow 6 to 10 to dry.
6. If reinstalling the original liftgate window glass, remove any excess urethane adhesive.
7. CAUTION: Wipe off the urethane glass prep immediately after each application because it flash dries. Apply deliberate strokes, making sure not to overlap the applied area.
If installing a new liftgate window glass, apply urethane glass prep twice around the glass surface to be prepped.
8. If installing a new liftgate window glass, apply urethane glass prep to the same area that was prepped in the previous step. Allow 5 minutes to 10 minutes to dry.
9. If equipped, install Norton Foam Sealant 565 Black Foam Tape to the pinch weld area.
10. Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.
11. Apply a bead of urethane adhesive to the liftgate door glass on the primed area.
12. 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.
13. Install the rear wiper motor.
14. Reconnect the 2 rear window defrost electrical connectors.