Rain LX470 rain sensor installation

[WannaCruise]

Hello all,

The rain sensor wipers on my 2005 LX470 has fallen off and I need to reattach it. This is a replacement windshield the previous owner had installed and the installer apparently just taped the sensor to the windshield... So, my question is if the metal bracket get glued to the windshield like the mirror mount, or is it held with some sort of tape? Thanks in advance.

Clarke

 

[WannaCruise]

On a side not, I pulled down the overhead console and disconnected the sensor so I have "basic" intermittent wiper function (6-14 second delay). I'll probably stick with this, but I would like to remount the sensor in case I want to reenable it.

 

[90WT]

There's a clear double-side sticky tape piece that is jelly-like to go between the glass and your sensor. You can get it from the dealer. And it's kinda spendy. I got one a few years back although it doesn't seem to hold the mirror on the glass on my rig. My sensor just dangles. The glass installer had put some windshield urethane adhesive around the outside of the sensor to the glass that held for a few months, but it eventually failed too.

 

[WannaCruise]

I have the new gel pad, but there is a metal bracket that appears to mount to the windshield that the black box clips/locks into. My question was if that metal bracket should be attached with thin tape, or with mirror adhesive like the rear view mirror is attached.

 

[Squashola]

I have the new gel pad, but there is a metal bracket that appears to mount to the windshield that the black box clips/locks into. My question was if that metal bracket should be attached with thin tape, or with mirror adhesive like the rear view mirror is attached.

View attachment 2936313

I got the gel sticky stuff on eBay. Much more reasonable than the Dealer who said I needed a new windshield. A year later and all is working fine. A

 

[WannaCruise]

I got the gel sticky stuff on eBay. Much more reasonable than the Dealer who said I needed a new windshield. A year later and all is working fine. A

That's where I got mine as well, but I have not installed it yet. Are you saying that you used the OEM gel pad as a sort of two sided tape?
What it the purpose of the metal attachment piece then?

It'd seem to me that the metal piece would attach to the windshield and the gel pad would attach to the sensor. Then you'd put the sensor/black housing on the metal bracket and lock it in to mechanically secure it to the windshield. Unfortunately I do not have the FSM to get any real details.

 

[uHu]

FSM Windshield installation

 

[WannaCruise]

Thanks @uHu, it looks like I was right about that bracket. It shows it attached to the glass... Now I just need to figure out HOW it is attached. The thin tape that was on mine clearly doesn't hold well. The area that it attaches to on the window has the black ceramic mask, so I'm not sure if normal rearview mirror glue would stick to that or not.

Also, it's not showing on the exploded parts diagram so I'm thinking that the bracket comes attached to the windshield from the factory. Mine is aftermarket glass, so it wasn't on their already.

 

[Squashola]

That's where I got mine as well, but I have not installed it yet. Are you saying that you used the OEM gel pad as a sort of two sided tape?
What it the purpose of the metal attachment piece then?

It'd seem to me that the metal piece would attach to the windshield and the gel pad would attach to the sensor. Then you'd put the sensor/black housing on the metal bracket and lock it in to mechanically secure it to the windshield. Unfortunately I do not have the FSM to get any real details.

I used the gel pad as my sensor was just hanging down. I put the gel pad on and then used the gel and the lock on the sensor to snap it in place. You will see when you loosen it.

 

[90WT]

I have the new gel pad, but there is a metal bracket that appears to mount to the windshield that the black box clips/locks into. My question was if that metal bracket should be attached with thin tape, or with mirror adhesive like the rear view mirror is attached.

View attachment 2936313

Well shoot. That explains a few things. My windshield is completely missing the bracket.