Aging and bulging of the windshield seal is a well-known problem of both domestic and foreign cars. Fixing the problem is easy, you don't even need to visit a service station because of this trifle.
Motorists face damage to the windshield seal, as a rule, after its unsuccessful replacement or due to aging and drying out. The rubber gasket can be squeezed out partially or completely, in most cases this phenomenon is due to poor installation.
Preparation for work
It is necessary to change the seal as it wears out. If it has dried out or lost its tightness in places, you will need to pay close attention to the defect. Access to the work site is open: you do not need to remove the hood or dashboard, and the procedure itself will take about two hours, so you do not need to go to a car service to replace the seal. It is better to change the sealing edging of the windshield at home, but only if there is a garage or a shed: during the work, you will need a reliable shelter from the rain. You will need a set of slotted screwdrivers of different sizes, a pair of stationery knives, a plastic spatula, nitro paint thinner and a special sealant. Regarding the last point, no recommendations can be made, since the range of adhesives and sealants is quite diverse. In addition, you may need a unique product for use in a particular car brand.
Removing the seal
First of all, you need to remove all decorative elements: plastic or metal corners, frames and other decorations. It will not be superfluous to remove the wipers so as not to interfere. The seal must be pry off in one place with a thin screwdriver. If there is a joint, you need to start with it. When you managed to release about twenty centimeters, you can gently pull with a little effort: the seal will come out of the groove by itself, even if it sits very tightly. If, however, a special glue was previously used to fix the rubber on the edge of the glass and in the grooves, the windshield will have to be removed completely.
Removing the windshield
To remove the windshield, it is better to go to a car service: there it can be removed quickly and for a modest fee using a string or other special tools. If you decide to do work in your garage, you need to get ready for long and painstaking work. The glass is removed from the seat using a plastic spatula and a wide screwdriver. In this case, one person squeezes out the glass from the side of the passenger compartment, and the other gently pries off the edges. You need to start from the top. After removal, the edge of the glass and the seating groove must be thoroughly cleaned. It is better to cover the latter with a special primer in several layers. After cleaning, there should be no rubber or glue fragments on the surfaces.
Installation of glass with a seal
When installing, the glass is inserted into the lower groove, after which it is necessary to insert the insert along the entire perimeter. To do this, it is better to use a cord or clothesline, the thickness equal to the width of the deepest part of the groove. The cord must be soaked in detergent and evenly laid in the recess. As the glass is inserted, the cord must be pulled outward so that the seal is seated tightly and efficiently. The seal can be additionally fixed with adhesive sealant. Upon completion of the installation, you need to pull the glass to the roof and sides with adhesive tape for one day, and after removing them, you can return the decorative overlays.
