How to Remove & Place a Windshield

Slight windshield damage can usually be fixed with a window epoxy that fills in small dings and cracks. If you have a large crack or broken windshield, you will need to replace the entire windshield. In many states, you can get a ticket for driving with a cracked windshield. Many people simply call professional windshield companies for removal and placement, but a good do-it-yourself auto technician should be able to perform the task himself with a few basic tools.

Instructions

1

Remove the windshield wipers by removing the trim, then unscrewing the bolts that hold the wipers to your car.

2

Pry the metal trim loose from around the windshield using a pry tool or a clean putty knife. If you plan to reuse the trim, you will have to be careful not to bend and break the metal.

3

Find the place where the two ends of the rubber gasket around the windshield meet. Pry the joint loose, then slowly peel the gasket away from the windshield.

4

Scrape all of the adhesive away from the interior and exterior of the windshield channel using a windshield scraping tool or razor blade. Failure to remove all the old adhesive will prevent your new windshield from bonding properly.

5

Grip the windshield firmly with two large suction cups and lift it slowly off of the car. You should have a second person help you lift the windshield or push it out from the inside of the car.

6

Clean the new windshield with window cleaner and clean paper towels. This removes all the dirt to make sure the adhesive forms a good bond between the windshield and the windshield channel.

7

Apply windshield primer to the outside edges of the windshield to increase the efficacy of the adhesive. Next, apply a bead of urethane adhesive to the edges of the windshield.

8

Lift the new windshield with suction cups and lower into place on the vehicle then replace the gasket, trim and windshield wiper assembly. Make sure the gasket fits snugly along the windshield edges.