2016 Nissan Sentra Four-Door Sedan
By Jeff Olive
1, 2 & 3 This Nissan Sentra was the victim of a break-in. (Photo 1) The right front door glass was shattered and items were stolen while the owner was at the gym. The owner shared this information during the pre-inspection. It is always a good idea to find out how the glass was broken and if the power window was working prior to the damage. A break caused by a cinder block may result in a bent regulator. A short conversation with the customer before work begins is always a good idea. Look at the window opening for damage. In some cases, a screwdriver may have been used to bust the window by prying at the edge of the glass, causing damage to the channel. The absence of glass fragments in the channel or in the vehicle, or a large amount of glass inside the door, is a good indication that the regulator may not have been working prior to the breakage This would indicate that the glass was in the down position when the glass was broken, possibly caused by an attempt to pull the glass up with pliers.
4 & 5 Check the replacement glass. Look at the edges of the new glass for chips and check the surface for scratches. This door glass has tabs attached with glue. The excess glue on the tabs may interfere with the glass that lines up with the regulator. If this extra glue is left on the glass, the bolt holes may not line up correctly. Use a side cutter to trim the extra glue. Take care not to pinch the edge of the glass when trimming the glue. (Photos 4 & 5)
6, 7 & 8 Now remove the door panel. The trim ring around the handle can be pried off with a small screwdriver.
(Photos 6, 7 & 8)
9 & 10 The power window switch panel can be pried off and the switch unplugged.
(Photos 9 & 10)
11 The screw that holds the panel in place must be removed.
(Photo 11)
12 & 13 It is now time to remove the door panel. Use a pry tool to remove the panel. Pry at each clip around the outer edge of the panel. Once the panel is loose, lift upward to remove the door panel and set aside. (Photos 12 & 13)
14 & 15 The moisture barrier needs to be removed. Try not to tear the barrier because it will help reduce road noise when reinstalled.
(Photos 14 & 15)
16 Now remove the speaker. This will give more access when vacuuming out the broken tempered glass. (Photo 16)
17 Plug in the window switch and adjust the regulator so the bolts that hold the tabs can be removed. (Photo 17)
18Clean out any glass that is in the glass run channels. Then vacuum out the interior cavity of the door. (Photo 18)
19 Install the new door glass by sliding the front edge down into the door and inserting the glass into the run channels in the front and back. Move the glass up and down in the channel to insure ease of operation. If any grinding noise is heard, remove the door glass and check the channel for glass fragments. Once the channels are clear the glass can be bolted back onto the regulator. (Photo 19)
Test the operation before reassembly. Reinitialize any safety features and be srue that the anti-pitch works properly. Reassembly all parts in reverse order.
Jeff Olive serves as the training manager for Glasspro in Summervile, S.C. He was recognised as the gold medalist in the first Auto Glass Technician Competition in 2005. Olive is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Auto Glass Safety Council.
jeff@glasspro.net
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