How to Repair Leaky Windshields

A leaky windshield is a symptom of a poor contact seal at the windshield glass edge. Over time, anything from severe elements to an automobile accident can cause the glass to shift, breaking the seal. When this happens, water leaks into the cabin. The only way to fix this is to remove the molding around the windshield and reseal the glass edge.

Instructions

1

Wedge the tip of the trim molding removal tool underneath the trim around the windshield. Pry up on the molding to remove it.

2

Inspect the molding for any damage or wear. Try to locate the source of the leak. You may need to run a water hose over the surface of the glass near the glass edge to find out exactly where it is leaking inside the cabin.

3

Trim back the existing urethane molding on the windshield with an automotive cutting knife. These are knives designed to cut urethane molding. (Your local auto parts store will carry them.) Youll want to make sure that you expose the area where the seal has broken and clean it up with the knife.

4

Apply a fresh bead of urethane sealant to the affected area and allow it to dry. Drying times may vary depending on weather conditions, humidity and other factors.

5

Insert the window molding. Youll need to force the trim back into place around the glass edge, pushing it down with the tip of the trim tool.

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Cutout Tools for Automobile Windshields

The car windshield is one of the most important protective components on a car. A windshield should be replaced if it has become scratches, cracked or chipped. Switching your windshield is not an easy task; however, using the specific tools designed especially for working on your windshield---such as suction cups, windshield blades and a windshield sealant cutter---will help simplify the process.

Suction Cup Windshield Holder

Windshield suction cups are used to hold the glass when youre removing it. A suction cup is a instrument made out of ruber that produces a vacuum on one side and has a handle on the other. Typically two or more suction cups are needed when youre removing a windshield. (see reference 2)

Windshield Knife

A windshield knife is used to cut through glass. It has a tempered steel blade on one side and a thick handle on the opposite side and is designed to cut through glass with ease. (see reference 1)

Windshield Sealant Cutter

A windshield sealant cutter is a hand-held tool used to remove sealant that exists around the cars windshield. This tool requires a pneumatic air compressor in order to be operated. It uses a thick specially designed hard steel blade and is the quickest and most efficient way to cut through windshield sealant. (see reference 2)

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