Broken Front Window

[mmcgrory]

Unfortunately I arrived to my car yesterday to discover my passenger side window had been cracked

Fortunately it wasn't shattered or completely spider webbed out (picture below) but will for sure need to be replaced before I'm comfortable driving it regularly.

My issue is that after calling a few Lexus service departments in the Bay Area, not only do they not stock the part (#6810160640) but it's on some large backorder nationally and there's no ETA when it will be back in stock.

Does anyone have experience replacing windows using non OEM window glass?

Not sure how ill advised doing that would be, at least for the interim while I wait of the OEM part. I checked the LC part of the same model and while it's a different part #6810160561 the dimensions look similar, however that seems to be under the same back order..

Pic of the glass, gotta love SF...

 

[rusty87]

Apparently Lexus uses laminated safety glass on the side windows similar to how windshields are constructed. The LC glass is tempered glass which is the type that shatters into a million pieces when it breaks. I wouldn’t hesitate using aftermarket glass if that’s what’s available.

 

[Markuson]

Apparently Lexus uses laminated safety glass on the side windows similar to how windshields are constructed. The LC glass is tempered glass which is the type that shatters into a million pieces when it breaks. I wouldn’t hesitate using aftermarket glass if that’s what’s available.

Yep.
All the Toyota glass is rebadged aftermarket glass anyway. Also…I’ve not yet run into a Toyota dealer who actually does glass work. The TDs around all send them out, or call a roving glass guy in…

 

[mmcgrory]

Interesting, I figured that could be the case given the way it broke. Will probably search for some aftermarket even though I like the idea of having safety glass for attempted break ins given where I live.

For sure gonna get a fully locked garage, frustrates me to no end this happens with how much I'm paying for parking...

 

[04UZJ100]

Apparently Lexus uses laminated safety glass on the side windows similar to how windshields are constructed. The LC glass is tempered glass which is the type that shatters into a million pieces when it breaks. I wouldn’t hesitate using aftermarket glass if that’s what’s available.

Isn’t it naturally laminated since it’s dual pane?

 

[rusty87]

I would stick with Lexus specific glass (OEM or Aftermarket). The laminated stuff is superior for noise reduction and break in resistance (obviously) and might be a different thickness than the LC glass.

 

[CherryIT]

Have you looked for a replacement from a used auto parts (junk yard) dealer?

 

[CherryIT]

Have you looked for a replacement from a used auto parts (junk yard) dealer?

Found 3, 2 in CA...
Alhambra,CA,USA - $144
South El Monte,CA,USA - $152.90
Lorton,VA,USA - $157.65

 

[mmcgrory]

Found 3, 2 in CA...
Alhambra,CA,USA - $144
South El Monte,CA,USA - $152.90
Lorton,VA,USA - $157.65

I'd not got to looking at a junkyard yet but that is for sure interesting. How did you go about finding these? Particularly the ones in CA.

 

[CherryIT]

I'd not got to looking at a junkyard yet but that is for sure interesting. How did you go about finding these? Particularly the ones in CA.

Google for ‘used auto parts search’
There are several sites… drop downs for year, model, make, then selected on “ door assembly, front”

the parts listed above were found on automotix.net

 

[CSteppe82]

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[04UZJ100]

I'd not got to looking at a junkyard yet but that is for sure interesting. How did you go about finding these? Particularly the ones in CA.

Not a bad option. It’s either OEM or not.

 

[patpend2000]

would love to know the thickness of the laminated glass in the LX vs. the safety glass in my LC. living in the Bay Area, I'd like to have the laminated glass for theft prevention.

 

[CherryIT]

would love to know the thickness of the laminated glass in the LX vs. the safety glass in my LC. living in the Bay Area, I'd like to have the laminated glass for theft prevention.

I have a 2008 LX. The front windows are both 5 mm thick and the edge of the glass has a recessed center (see photo) The rear windows are 4 mm and have a smooth rounded edge.

 

[Bunga]

I got the 3M security film over the factory side and rear for shade, heat and break-in reduction. The Bay area, and many of the typical parking lots at the trails here have horrific theft problems. Limo tint and something to keep the glass shards from getting all of the interior- https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/automotive-window-solutions-us/solutions/security/

 

[mmcgrory]

Update to this, I bought a generic replacement from an ebay seller in southern CA. Got the window installed at a dealer, cost a decent amount to install but the fitment is nice and seems to work well. I searched a bit more for OEM glass but there weren't any available anywhere that I looked, probably not the worst thing because the factory part is 3-4x what I paid for a new generic replacement.

Only downside is that the replaced window isn't tinted so it's not perfectly matching my drivers side glass which is slightly tinted. Not sure if the front was tinted from the factory or aftermarket, in any case I may try to get that matched some day.

 

[bloc]

I was going to say try to find same year model if you go with used OEM, as tint color can be changed over the years.