Window Glass - Rear: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Dry-fit the rear window glass on the existing urethane adhesive bead on the pinch weld.
- Position the glass on the pinch weld.
- Center the glass in the opening.
- Make alignment marks with tape or non-staining grease pencil on the rear window glass and the body.
After the dry-fit alignment, remove the glass from the body opening and place on a stable work surface with the interior side of the glass facing upward.

WARNING: Repair any corrosion found on the pinch weld. The pinch weld is a structural component of the vehicle. Corrosion left unrepaired may reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

NOTE: Avoid scratching the pinch weld. Repair all minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld following manufacturer's instructions. Use the same brand pinch weld primer, glass primer and urethane adhesive.

Fig 1: Trimming Urethane With Appropriate Tool With Specifications

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in) base of original equipment urethane adhesive on the pinchweld.
Using a clean shop towel, brush or oil-free, compressed air, clean the pinch weld area around the existing urethane adhesive. Remove any foreign material or water that may have entered during glass removal.
If reinstalling the same rear window glass, remove the remaining urethane adhesive from the glass leaving a thin layer to bond with the new urethane adhesive bead.
Clean the inside of the new rear window glass surface with glass cleaner.

NOTE: Be sure to use the same brand and cure-rate products for the urethane adhesive and glass primer. Do not mix different brands of urethane adhesive and glass primer. Refer to the MATERIAL CHART in this procedure.

If installing a new rear window glass, apply glass primer according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.
Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.

Fig 2: Identifying Urethane Adhesive Applicator Tip Cutting Dimension With Specifications
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Use either a high-ratio, electric or battery-operated caulk gun that will apply the urethane adhesive with less effort and continuous bead.

NOTE: The rear window glass must be positioned within 10 minutes of applying the urethane adhesive.

Fig 3: Identifying Urethane Adhesive Bead Applying Dimension With Specifications

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Apply urethane adhesive on top of the existing trimmed urethane adhesive bead on the pinch weld, starting and ending at the bottom of the rear window glass near the center, making sure there are no gaps in the bead.

WARNING: Do not drive vehicle until the urethane adhesive seal has cured. Follow urethane adhesive manufacturer's curing directions. Inadequate or incorrect curing of the urethane adhesive seal will adversely affect glass retention. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

NOTE: Before positioning the rear window glass, open vehicle windows to prevent the air pressure of closing doors from affecting the urethane adhesive bond.

Using the alignment marks made previously, position the rear window glass on the pinch weld.

NOTE: The urethane adhesive must cure for a minimum of one hour before testing for air or water leaks.

After the urethane adhesive has cured, check the rear window glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
Install the headliner, parcel shelf and C-pillar trim panels. For additional information, Refer to INTERIOR TRIM & ORNAMENTATION -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.
Connect the LH and RH heated rear window electrical connector.