Do They All Crack Here?
- Thread starter OregonLC
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Throw another log on the fire - both cracked here on an '03 with 82k. Previous threads indicate that this is an all or nothing fix. You apparently have to purchase these with the entire window / motor assembly. Reminds me of an old Jack Nicholson scene in 5 Easy Pieces. Hold it between your knees Mr. T!
If that trim is only available as part of some expensive assembly, then the correct answer is probably either some silicone (carefully applied) or maybe some flexible body filler and paint..... Or maybe some 3M DiNoc vinyl to cover it up.
-G
Good silicone tip is apply a bead that is a little proud/overfilled. Then spray the area with Windex or other ammonia based glass cleaner. Then whipe/tool the bead smooth. The Windex will keep the silicone from sticking to the adjacent surfaces and make clean up easier. Other wise you are removing the residue with mineral spirits and will make a mess of the joint. Home Depot sells a great tool called the Calk Pro tools. They work great for tooling any calking project neat and clean.
I would think that putting painters tape on either side of the crack before applying silicone would work well too. Smooth out the silicone to flatten it, then pull off the tape to reveal a nice sharp repair.
-G
Yes it does but you get a hard edge in the silicone at the painters tape and then it has to be re-tooled. I've installed 100's of bath vanities and counters and the Windex is easier and cleaner. It's amazing how well it works.a combo of tape and Windex works really well for people who are not very adept at running the bead. The first key is cutting the tip of the call tube so the hole is the same width as the crack/joint being filled and at an angle. Then add just enough to fill the joint and create a slight crown to the bead so that the bead is just as wide as the crack. Windex, wipe once, done. It is like MIG spatter spray when welding. The extra just wipes right off. No residue, no clean up.
Both sides of my are cracked. Mine was a garaged "condo car" from Naples. Had 56k on it when I got it last November.
I really like to know if there is any preventative efforts that I can do. Mine does not have crack.
Can a water spray be used in place of Windix?
I wet the tip of my finger with water when smoothing out silicone roof repairs. Water keeps silicone from sticking.The crew that replaced my roof showed me the water/spit trick.
Driving on rough roads with side window open MAY be the cause. I say this because mine happened in last 5 yrs, even though I've kept garaged past 10 of 15 yrs. Also I park in a manor to keep sun off drivers' seat, PS is still good. Also I've been uneasy with the rattle sound form just hitting mild street bumps with open.
Who here uses side window off-road or on rough roads that has more than one crack?
Is there any harm in leaving it alone?
Far as I can tell, it's only an annoyance. I've got no leaks and no indication of it getting worse. I think the crack has relieved whatever stress caused the break. Just seems like this should have been a more durable material from the get-go. Aluminum would make sense.
Not in my experience...I put 80K on my '01 LX after buying it with 70K 6 years ago. She has 3 cracks on driver's side, none on passenger's. I can count on one hand how many times I've opened the rear vent windows, and never off road.
I'll try the windex trick this week.
Steve
120K on mine and no cracks- not sure why, but I do not open the wing windows very often.