DIY Rear Hard-top Glass replacement?

[RichWpg]

Anyone replaced their rear glass DIY? I got the glass today from the dealer, and I'm wondering how hard this is to replace DIY?

I'm always a bit nervous having the "professionals" work on my vehicles, as they won't take the time sometimes to go slow, and make sure everything is done as well as possible (vs as fast as possible). If it's super complicated I'll search for a good glass shop in my area, but though it would be worth asking here first.

Sponsored

 

[flip]

Side glass or back lift window?

 

[flip]

Liftgate Window Glass
Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Interior Trim Remover

Removal

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. Open the tailgate.

1. Open the liftgate window glass.

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   NOTE: Left hand (LH) shown, right hand (RH) similar.
   On both sides.
   Disconnect the heated rear window element electrical connectors.

1. Remove the rear window wiper motor cover.
   Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   Disconnect the rear window wiper motor electrical connector.

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   Position the rear window wiper motor electrical harness aside.

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   Disconnect the rear window washer hose.

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   On both sides.
   Release the clips and disconnect the rear window glass liftgate strut.
   1. On both sides.
      Release the rear window glass liftgate strut clip.
2. 1. On both sides.
      Disconnect the rear window glass liftgate strut.

1. Release the liftgate window glass hinge trim covers.

1. 
   Remove the liftgate window glass.
   1. Remove the liftgate window glass bolts.
      Torque: 93 lb.in (10.5 Nm)
2. 1. Remove the liftgate window glass.

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.
   Remove the rear window wiper motor.
   Refer to: Rear Window Wiper Motor (501-16 Wipers and Washers, Removal and Installation).

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

 

[flip]

Liftgate Window Glass
Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Interior Trim Remover

Removal

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. Open the tailgate.

1. Open the liftgate window glass.

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   NOTE: Left hand (LH) shown, right hand (RH) similar.
   On both sides.
   Disconnect the heated rear window element electrical connectors.

1. Remove the rear window wiper motor cover.
   Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   Disconnect the rear window wiper motor electrical connector.

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   Position the rear window wiper motor electrical harness aside.

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   Disconnect the rear window washer hose.

1. NOTE: Liftgate shown closed for clarity.
   On both sides.
   Release the clips and disconnect the rear window glass liftgate strut.
   1. On both sides.
      Release the rear window glass liftgate strut clip.
2. 1. On both sides.
      Disconnect the rear window glass liftgate strut.

1. Release the liftgate window glass hinge trim covers.

1. 
   Remove the liftgate window glass.
   1. Remove the liftgate window glass bolts.
      Torque: 93 lb.in (10.5 Nm)
2. 1. Remove the liftgate window glass.

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.
   Remove the rear window wiper motor.
   Refer to: Rear Window Wiper Motor (501-16 Wipers and Washers, Removal and Installation).

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

 

[coadr]

Shoutout flip for the guide, but I’ll also add in that it’s super easy. I did it myself on my hard top with no instructions at all.

 

[flip]

If it's the side glass, take it to a glass shop. Have to use a special urethane to glue it in.

 

[BudgetBronco]

If it's the side glass, take it to a glass shop. Have to use a special urethane to glue it in.

Yes the side quarter glass is more complicated, but if you want to see the procedure it is detailed in the process linked below, skip to page 12
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10202718-0001.pdf

 

[RichWpg]

Thanks for the instructions! It's the rear glass with the window wiper, I'll take a look at the instructions and see if this is DIY'able for me.

 

[RichWpg]

Ok, so far so good, but I can’t seem to liberate the wiper arm from the motor assembly. Took the cover off, removed the bolt underneath, but arm won’t budge.

Anyone have any guidance here?

Update: It comes off straight off, you just need to wiggle it out a bit.

 

[RichWpg]

Also, if folks are curious what the rear window part (M2DZ7842006A) looks like, here it is:

As you can see it comes with the hinge hardware attached, wiper motor bracket, as well as the lower brace.

 

[LRB45]

Ok, so far so good, but I can’t seem to liberate the wiper arm from the motor assembly. Took the cover off, removed the bolt underneath, but arm won’t budge.

Anyone have any guidance here?

Update: It comes off straight off, you just need to wiggle it out a bit.

So I was lucky enough to shatter my rear glass today while the top was sitting in my garage
I'm pulling a the pieces off for when the new top shows up but I cannot get the wiper arm off. Any suggestions on what you finally did to actually get yours loose?

Well I ended up getting it off with a block, prybar and way too much force. Would have had me scared as hell if the glass wasn't already broken.

 

[RichWpg]

So I was lucky enough to shatter my rear glass today while the top was sitting in my garage
I'm pulling a the pieces off for when the new top shows up but I cannot get the wiper arm off. Any suggestions on what you finally did to actually get yours loose?

Well I ended up getting it off with a block, prybar and way too much force. Would have had me scared as hell if the glass wasn't already broken.

It does come off straight out, probably some WD-40 might be good to dissolve some of the red thread locker (which is why it's so hard to get off). I wiggled it back n' forth (and up) to break the seal and she popped off, but don't torque it too much, there are some delicate groves on the shank which interlock with those on the wiper arm, so if you torque those will strip.

Other tips:
1. Lower window gasket - You'll need to recover the gasket from the bottom of your old window, or order a new one (~$100 bucks from the dealer). Use some 3M Black Super Gasket Adhesive to affix the edges where the double sided tape was used at the factory, you can try double sided 3m or gorilla tape as well, but I found this didn't stick as well (the 3m gasket adhesive was amazing). To use the 3M adhesive, just dap it on the gasket and window frame areas, wait 30-60sec for it to become tacky, and then join the two pieces. Do NOT use the gasket adhesive on the entire gasket, just the two small areas where the double sided tape was used.

When re-installing it, be very careful as there as some delicate clips on the window frame which the gasket interlocks with. If you apply too much force these clips might snap off. Take note of these when removing the gasket, and take your time.

2. Detaching lift gate strut - Use a small flat screw driver to lift up the clip denoted in "hot pink" in the above pics provided by flip. It doesn't take much, just pull up the clip and the strut arm will release. The clip does *not* need to be removed, just release the pressure. To install the new strut just push it in.

3. Wiper arm motor cover - If you are doing the window install with some help, consider putting the wiper motor + motor cover on BEFORE you install the new window. It's a bit tricky to get back on, and is likely far easier to do when the window is on the ground. On the other hand, if you are solo, it's probably safer to keep the extra weight off the window vs. risk dropping it, so you'll have to fiddle around with it while the window is attached to the truck top.

4. Locktite - Buy red (perm) locktite for the wiper arm, and blue for the hinge bolts which affix the window to the truck top. There's also some identifiable block "goop" which is used between the top and hinge, not sure what that is, but I'm guessing it's to avoid rattles, so it might be worth figuring out what that is.

5. Strut arm grease - Consider buying some weather proof grease (appropriate for plastics) to inject into the strut arm socket, I'm pretty sure this is to avoid squeaks. I don't think the window came with any from the factory. Worst case you can install without and put in grease later.

6. Go slow - Nothing beyond the wiper arm required any force whatsoever. Everything came off very easy. If something requires force, chances are your disassembly approach is incorrect.

7. Garage door safety - If you are doing this in a garage like I was, and your Bronco rear door is hanging open (across the garage door threshold) for the entire install, consider unplugging your garage door motor, so nobody accidentally lowers the garage door on your rear door. Or worse, somebody in the neighborhood triggers your door with their remote. It will make your bad week into a worse week. This didn't happen to me, but I was pretty paranoid as I've had more door go up/down via a neighbor's remote before.

That's about it. My Bronco is as good as new now. Happy to answer any other questions folks might have.

 

[Nslsa66]

Just broke my rear window out as well. Hardtop was on the garage floor, and nailed it with the front tire while backing out. Was difficult to hold the tears back. Curious where you got the replacement from? I've been searching all over, but have only come across rear windows for 2021 (I have a 2022. I would assume it's the same window, but haven't been able to get confirmation from a number of parts sites. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[RichWpg]

Just broke my rear window out as well. Hardtop was on the garage floor, and nailed it with the front tire while backing out. Was difficult to hold the tears back. Curious where you got the replacement from? I've been searching all over, but have only come across rear windows for 2021 (I have a 2022. I would assume it's the same window, but haven't been able to get confirmation from a number of parts sites. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I just called around to local dealers and found one who had the part. Other dealers were willing to order it in.

2021 window is the same, part number is M2DZ7842006A . I did the install on a 2022 2dr. I paid around $800 plus tax.

 

[Nslsa66]

I just called around to local dealers and found one who had the part. Other dealers were willing to order it in.

2021 window is the same, part number is M2DZ7842006A . I did the install on a 2022 2dr. I paid around $800 plus tax.

Thank you sir. Called around the local dealers, and got it for $1200 OTD (One dealer wanted $1400+Tax). Gotta' love California SMH.

Sponsored