Windshield: Service and Repair
REMOVALThe urethane adhesive holding the windshield to the opening pinch weld (fence) can be cut using a sharp cold knife from the exterior of the vehicle. Using the cold knife method is effective if the windshield is already broken. If the glass must be salvaged, cutting the urethane adhesive from the interior of the vehicle using a reciprocating or oscillating power knife is recommended.
1. Remove inside rear view mirror.
2. Remove cowl cover.
3. Remove windshield molding.
NOTE: Carefully pull outward on molding at the bottom of A-pillars using pliers, making sure not to damage paint finish. Be careful not to touch or damage glass.
4. Cut urethane bonding from around windshield using a suitable sharp cold knife. A pneumatic cutting device can be used if available.
5. Remove windshield from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
The urethane adhesive holding the windshield to the opening pinch weld (fence) can be cut using a sharp cold knife from the exterior of the vehicle. Using the cold knife method is effective if the windshield is already broken. If the glass must be salvaged, cutting the urethane adhesive from the interior of the vehicle using a reciprocating or oscillating power knife is recommended.
CAUTION: To avoid stressing the replacement windshield, the urethane bonding material on the windshield fence should be smooth and consistent to the shape of the replacement windshield. The support spacers should be cleaned and properly installed on screws at bottom of windshield opening.
Fig. 1:
1. Place replacement windshield into windshield opening and position glass in the center of the opening against the support spacers. Mark the glass at the support spacers with a grease pencil or pieces of masking tape and ink pen to use as a reference for installation. Remove replacement windshield from windshield opening (Fig. 1).
2. Position the windshield inside up on a suitable work surface with two padded, wood 10 cm by 10 cm by 50 cm (4 in. by 4 in. by 20 in.) blocks, placed parallel 75 cm (2.5 ft.) apart.
3. Clean inside of windshield with Mopar(R) Glass Cleaner and lint-free cloth.
4. Apply clear glass primer 25 mm (1 in.) wide around perimeter of windshield and wipe with clean/dry lint-free cloth.
5. Apply black out primer 15 mm (0.75 in.) wide on top and sides of windshield and 25 mm (1 in.) on bottom of windshield. Allow at least three minutes drying time.
6. Using a razor knife, remove as much original urethane as possible. Do not damage windshield fence surface.
7. Apply a 10 mm (0.4 in.) bead of urethane on center line of windshield fence.
8. Position spacers on windshield opening fence (Fig. 1).
9. With the aid of a helper, position the windshield over the windshield opening. Align the reference marks at the bottom of the windshield to the support spacers.
10. Slowly lower windshield glass to windshield opening fence. Guide the top molding into proper position if necessary. Push windshield inward to fence spacers at bottom and until top molding is flush to roof line.
11. Clean excess urethane from exterior with Mopar(R) Super Kleen or equivalent.
12. Apply 150 mm (6 in.) lengths of 50 mm (2 in.)masking tape spaced 250 mm (10 in.) apart to hold molding in place until urethane cures.
13. Install cowl cover and wipers.
14. Install antenna connector.
NOTE: Make sure that the urethane has completely cured before continuing to the next procedure.
15. Remove tape strips and water test windshield to verify proper repair.