How to replace a windshield in a garage
Useful tips for motorists

How to replace a windshield in a garage

The transition to bonded windshields instead of rubber-mounted windshields has brought many benefits. The bodies have become stiffer, the glass now also works as a load-bearing element of the supporting structure, and the likelihood of leakage has decreased, plus improved aerodynamics.

How to replace a windshield in a garage

But the requirements for the accuracy of the front opening, the quality of its edges, as well as the complexity of the replacement procedure have increased. Chemically advanced technology materials will be required for a strong bond.

When does a windshield need to be replaced?

In addition to the obvious case of the appearance of cracks and the consequences of impacts in unacceptable traffic rules and technical regulations, sometimes the glass is changed due to its peeling along the old insert. In reality, one of these events is sooner or later accompanied by another.

How to replace a windshield in a garage

It is worth mentioning that there are also technologies for eliminating defects without replacement. Cracks and chips are filled with special compounds with polishing, and the seal is obtained using a sealant.

But there is always a danger that the aged mount will not withstand, the part can simply be lost on the go. This is usually not brought up to, the replacement is not so complicated and costly. If you wish, you can do it yourself.

Necessary tools and materials

Depending on the method of removing old glass, different tools may be required, but there is the most common list:

  • new glass, when buying, it is worth considering many factors, except for the standard size, these are the presence of tinting or protective stripes, silk-screen printing, windows for sensors, VIN number, mirror, radio-transparent areas, heating, etc.;
  • a device for removing old glass, most often it is used in the form of a faceted flexible steel string with removable handles;
  • a knife or chisel for cleaning from glue, an awl for initial piercing;
  • a set of tools for dismantling parts in the passenger compartment and the wiper area;
  • solvent and degreaser, often these are different solutions;
  • devices with suction cups for holding new glass;
  • tapes of durable masking tape to isolate the car's paintwork and hold the glass until the glue dries;
  • a set for gluing, which includes a primer, activator and glue, different configurations are possible;
  • a device for squeezing out glue must provide the necessary pressure, as well as maintaining the distance from the edge to the glue track;
  • means of protecting the interior from dirt and splinters, as well as the hands and eyes of workers.

How to replace a windshield in a garage

Work should be at a sufficiently high temperature and normalized humidity, otherwise the adhesive will be difficult to apply, and the polymerization will be delayed. The operating range is indicated in the instructions, sometimes it is better to heat the composition in hot water.

How and with what to dismantle glass

There are two methods of dismantling with the destruction of the old adhesive layer. Rougher, but used by many, is to cut down the old glass, and then cut off the edge along with the glue using a chisel.

The second is widespread - the glue is cut with a faceted string. There are more mechanized methods, but it hardly makes sense to purchase equipment for rare garage replacements.

How to replace a windshield in a garage

  1. Everything that will interfere with work in the frame area is being dismantled. These are wiper pads and leashes, interior parts, rubber seals and moldings. The vacated space is covered with protective material from dust, splinters and chemicals.
  2. The old adhesive seam is pierced with an awl in a convenient place, after which a cut wire is inserted there and the handle is fixed. They work together, the cutting force is created from the outside, and from the inside the wire is pulled to its original position. After the final cut, the glass is removed from the machine.
  3. The freed frame is prepared for gluing. This is a very important moment. It is necessary to remove the remnants of old glue, traces of corrosion and soil. A knife or chisel is used. Places exposed to bare metal are cleaned, degreased and covered with a thin layer of primer. You can not apply two layers, you will get a fragile substrate for the glue. It is important to ensure uniformity, otherwise the stresses that arise when driving will lead to inexplicable cracks. The soil must be dried, but not more than the time specified in the instructions, otherwise it will be brittle.

You can cope alone, but the glass will have to be destroyed, and the rest cut down with a chisel. Installing a new one alone is hardly possible.

How to cut a windshield alone.

Preparation and installation of new glass in the garage

The new product is thoroughly washed and degreased. A primer is applied to the edge. This is important for strong adhesion of the adhesive, as well as to ensure its protection from ultraviolet radiation. The soil must not be overdried, the resulting film will reduce strength.

How to replace a windshield in a garage

Glue is applied from the gun dispenser, preferably warmed up. There should be an even, uniform bead. Too thin a layer will lead to glass-to-metal contacts and cracks, a thick layer will give the glass too much freedom with the same result.

How to replace a windshield in a garage

The choice of adhesive also affects reliability. The higher the requirements for the power role of glass in the body frame, the stronger it must be.

The applied adhesive quickly creates a film on the surface with which reliable and uniform contact will not work. Therefore, it is necessary to install glass without delay.

To do this, suction cups with handles and tapes of retaining tape are pre-installed on it. It's best to keep the car doors open.

How to replace a windshield in a garage

After installation, the glass is fixed with tapes, gaps of several millimeters are provided along the frame, evenly along the perimeter. It should not touch the metal when the body is deformed. You can additionally press it from the inside through the suction cups to the seats with rubber bands.

After replacing the windshield, how long can you drive and wash the car

At a temperature of about 20 degrees and above, polymerization takes about a day. The glue seizes gradually from the edges of the seam to the middle.

The speed is also highly dependent on humidity, water vapor in the air speeds up the process. Under normal conditions, the car can be used every other day, preferably two. The same terms apply to washing. During this time, traces of glue are removed, the interior is assembled. Do not slam doors or close side windows.

Installation of equipment - antennas, mirrors, sensors, etc., is carried out either before installation or after the final curing of the seam.

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