Instructions for Auto Windshield Replacement
Replacing an automobile windshield is not an easy task. It requires skill and knowledge in auto repair. When replacing a windshield on a vehicle, you must take care to get the right windshield for your make and model including any tint or radio antenna that might be on the windshield.
Items Needed
- new windshield
- window molding removal tool
- long razor knife
- urethane window primer
- urethane window sealer
- electric urethane bead gun
- Use the window molding removal tool and remove the molding reveal trim from your windshield.
- Using a long razor knife, cut the urethane bead loose from the entire windshield. Do this from inside the vehicle and take care that the knife does not touch the glass. Work slowly and be precise. There must be no strings attached to the windshield when it is pushed outward. One string can crack the windshield.
- Slowly push the windshield outward from the vehicle. Watch for any adhesive that may still be touching the windshield and cut it off before proceeding.
- Keep 3 mm of urethane sealer on the vehicle. New sealer will adhere better to old urethane.
- Clean any dust or dirt particles from the sealing area on the vehicle.
- Using a small brush, prime the new windshield with urethane primer Make sure to get around the outside edge where it will make contact with the urethane bead.
- Use your electric bead gun to apply a bead of urethane sealant to the vehicle. The sealant should be placed around the window opening on top of the old urethane.
- Align the new windshield carefully along the edges of the window opening. Make sure it is properly placed before pressing it in place. Once the windshield touches the urethane, it cannot be moved.
- Lay the windshield on top of the urethane and press down. You will need to press around the edges of the windshield. This will seat the windshield onto the urethane and ensure against leakage.
- Reinstall the window molding around your new windshield. Center it over the trim fasteners and press down to lock it into place.