Window Glass - Rear: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: For additional material guidelines, refer to the manufacturer's installation information.

Dry-fit the rear window glass by centering it side-to-side and by adjusting the blocks (if equipped) to get the correct position of the part top-to-bottom. Make alignment marks with tape or non-staining grease pencil on both the glass and the vehicle body.

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. For minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld, see the manufacturer's recommendations.

Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in) base of original equipment urethane on the pinch weld.

Fig 1: Identifying Urethane Bead On Pinchweld (With Specification)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If reinstalling the original rear window glass, remove any excess urethane adhesive from the glass.
If installing a new rear window glass, clean the inside of the glass surface with glass cleaner to make sure the ceramic-coated area is clean.

NOTE: Be sure to use the same brand of cure-rate products for the adhesive primer. Do not mix different brands of urethane and primer. Refer to the Material Chart.

NOTE: Sika uses the same black primer for the glass and pinch weld area.

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

Fig 2: Applicator Tip (With Specification)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Apply a bead of urethane adhesive on top of the existing urethane bead on the pinch weld. Make sure that all gaps in the urethane adhesive are smoothed into one continuous bead starting and ending at the bottom of the rear window glass near the center.

Fig 3: Applying Bead Of Urethane Adhesive To Pinch Weld (With Specification)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Open a window to prevent the rear window glass from being pushed out by air pressure when the door is closed.

Using the alignment marks, install the rear window glass.

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

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

After the urethane has cured, check the rear window glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
Connect the rear window glass electrical connectors.
Install the package tray trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM & ORNAMENTATION article.