A few tips for re-installing or repairing rain sensor
09-28-13, 11:38 AM
#1
Pit Crew
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A few tips for re-installing or repairing rain sensor
Two years ago I had my windshield replaced in my 02' UL due to stone damage. A good friend owns a glass shop and did the work. He was able to install my rain sensor and it has worked flawlessly ever since. I know this is not always the case as three members emailed me in the last month asking about how he replaced. I had a thread from back then with some info, but I saw my friend this week and picked his brain.
He shared a few tips on reinstalling the rain sensor that may help if you need to do the same. Many insurance companies will not pay for OEM windshields so if you are replacing you need to mount the bracket to the glass. The first step is to remove all adhesive from the bracket using a razor. He pulled the small black retainer clip under the sensor and the bracket pulled right out. Once the bracket was cleaned by the razor he wiped it down with acetone. He wiped the windshield area where he was to install the bracket with acetone as well. He applied krazy glue to the bracket and held it in place for 5 minutes. Then he heated it with a heat gun for 2 minutes.
Next he took the clear plastic membrane that mates with the glass and placed it in a plastic cup. He filled the cup with mineral oil from Ikea. Yes, Ikea. It is called SKYDD. He told me he has used a dozen or so oils and this one is the best. He let the membrane sit in the oil for 5-6 minutes and while it sat, he used a micro paint brush to coat both the glass and the sensor back with the same oil.
He connected the wire and replaced the sensor. He then looked at the glass on the outside to check for air bubbles. This is very important. If you see any bubbles he said to take the heat gun and work it on the outside of the glass back and forth until the bubbles disappear.
He installed my sensor 2 years ago and she works great!
Email me with any questions.
Joe
He shared a few tips on reinstalling the rain sensor that may help if you need to do the same. Many insurance companies will not pay for OEM windshields so if you are replacing you need to mount the bracket to the glass. The first step is to remove all adhesive from the bracket using a razor. He pulled the small black retainer clip under the sensor and the bracket pulled right out. Once the bracket was cleaned by the razor he wiped it down with acetone. He wiped the windshield area where he was to install the bracket with acetone as well. He applied krazy glue to the bracket and held it in place for 5 minutes. Then he heated it with a heat gun for 2 minutes.
Next he took the clear plastic membrane that mates with the glass and placed it in a plastic cup. He filled the cup with mineral oil from Ikea. Yes, Ikea. It is called SKYDD. He told me he has used a dozen or so oils and this one is the best. He let the membrane sit in the oil for 5-6 minutes and while it sat, he used a micro paint brush to coat both the glass and the sensor back with the same oil.
He connected the wire and replaced the sensor. He then looked at the glass on the outside to check for air bubbles. This is very important. If you see any bubbles he said to take the heat gun and work it on the outside of the glass back and forth until the bubbles disappear.
He installed my sensor 2 years ago and she works great!
Email me with any questions.
Joe
Last edited by BT3100; 09-28-13 at 07:23 PM.
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