CuttingEdge_,AGRR,JulyAugust2012

Volume 14, Issue 4 - July/August 2012

The Cutting Edge
new car installations

2011 Cadillac STS
by Jamie Browning

1. GETTING STARTED:
For vehicle and glass preparations please refer to AGRSS/ANSI 002-2002 as well as your adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations. Inspect the windshield for defects and look for any distortion.

First, remove the rearview mirror by removing the cover at the base of the mirror. Next, disconnect the electrical connector and tilt the mirror to the full upward position to allow easy access to remove the T-15 set screw. Slide the mirror upward off of the bracket and remove the rain sensor, if equipped. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle direction alert alarm, disconnect the electrical connector. Use a small, flat screwdriver, insert it along the top edge in the recessed notches, push in on both tabs to release and slide upward to remove. To remove the A-pillar covers (if required) use a panel tool to release the securing clips on each side and remove the two screw covers. Move to the exterior of the vehicle and remove the wiper arms by removing the two black caps covering the wiper nuts, then remove the wiper nuts. Next, use a wiper puller (GM part number J39822 or equivalent) to remove the wiper arms from the vehicle and note the driver and passenger side. To remove the air inlet grille (cowl panel) remove the weatherstrip, three screws and the grille-panel nut, and remove assembly from the vehicle. Next, remove the side-reveal mouldings by pulling back the weatherstrip and the five screws retaining the moulding. You are now ready to start the removal process.

2. REMOVAL:
For the sides and top of the windshield, a cold knife or power tool can be used, as well as wire. For the bottom, a power tool or wire can be used. Keep in mind that there is not one correct method of removal. The technician should use the tool with which he feels most comfortable and the one that achieves a safe removal (both for the vehicle and the technician).

3. PREPARATION:
Trim the existing urethane bead, leaving it 1 to 2 millimeters (mm) in height. Use your adhesive manufacturer’s pinchweld primer to prime all scratches if any exist and allow for proper drying according to your adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations. Please note that only the full-cut method is permitted by the AGRSS/ANSI 002-2002 Standard.

4. PLACEMENT:
Dry-fit the new windshield and mark it properly to ensure the correct setting procedure. Prepare the windshield according to your adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations, and then apply the adhesive and install the windshield. Cadillac recommends using a tip for the urethane that is cut at a 60-degree angle and is 10 mm wide and 8 mm tall. Make sure the deck height is correct and the markings on the windshield line up with those on the body that were applied during the dry set.

5. FINISHING TOUCHES:
Install the cowl, wipers and mirror in reverse order. Be sure to check the rain sensor if equipped and wiper operation before returning the vehicle to the owner. Check for any leaks and be sure to inform the vehicle owner of the safe drive-away time according to the adhesive manufacturer. Also, be sure to record all lot numbers from the adhesive, VIN number and primers as well as the DOT number from the windshield.

Jamie Browning was the gold medalist in the 2009 Pilkington Classic Auto Glass Technician Olympics.