Busted windshield
- Thread starter sbryan
- Start date
2005 SPT V6
New member
I have the same problem with my windshield only 5k miles on it when it happened! I have not yet replaced it. Toyota should recall this on all 03-05 T4R! I've been driving for over 14 years and had many different cars and trucks and never had this problem from just a little pebble. I'm scared to replace it and have it happening again. :bash:
I had the same concerns about my windshield (wanting OEM for the hydrophilic qualities). Let me say, forget it, don't worry about it. My dealership convinced me to use their vendor to replace mine instead of the OEM. It was $350 installed and it's great.
The OEM is $500-600. I installed PIAA's Super Silicone wipers and it does incredible in the rain, better than the original OEM windshield. If you can't find a dealership that's reputable, I hear that PPG glass is very good as well.
Hope this helps.
bd
PS If the dealership story sounds too good to be true, it's not--at least the windshield part. They did screw me on the rest of the work they did though.
The OEM is $500-600. I installed PIAA's Super Silicone wipers and it does incredible in the rain, better than the original OEM windshield. If you can't find a dealership that's reputable, I hear that PPG glass is very good as well.
Hope this helps.
bd
PS If the dealership story sounds too good to be true, it's not--at least the windshield part. They did screw me on the rest of the work they did though.
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boston_kevin
New member
so what do you use to clean the windshield so that you don't foul the coating? I can't imagine that anything could be nearly as abrasive as the road oils and salts that are constantly kicked up while driving.
toybox
New member
sbryan said:
It was basically a 32 page booklet produced before the 4runner was introduced. I believe it was to school all the dealers and salespeople on all the features, advantages and new technology on the then soon to be released 4runner. It has a lot of good info on things like the safety systems, how the xreas works, the then new 5 speed trans and alot of other stuff.
And no I don't work for Toyota. Atually if you search Toyota University on this site someone may have pdf'ed it.
2005 SPT V6 said:
Your bash is excusable...
Stuff happens all the time. It seems like the cars in you sig don't have a steeply raked windshield like the 4runner does. Also, those vehicles don't offer better visiblity to the road as much as your 4runner does.
It's an opportunity cost in my opinion to have better visibility with the possibility of more damage. If you're under the impression that Toyota should recall the 4runner windshields because its a vehicle on the road, just like everyone elses, you must be joking. Get a new windshiled. All in all, pebbles/rocks and stuff on the road should be the least of your worries.
I have the same gripe.
I just rolled over 16,000 miles on my 2005 sport. I've had 3 nicks/dings in my windshield over the last 10 months. That's really unacceptible. I've had lots and lots of cars in the past and never once did I have the amount of problems with a windshield within the first 10 months/16,000 miles, or even 5 years and 100,000 miles.
Last week another nick - a tiny one - caused a crack, which grew to about 10" in a day before I took it to a repair place to have it filled in/repaired.
Considering that Toyota is putting thicker windshields into the 2006 models, I'm willing to bet that they know about this issue and that the thicker windshield is corrective action instead of just to "cut down on wind noise" as they say.
Less than a year, 16,000 miles, and I need a new windshield. I love my 4Runner but That's pretty pathetic.
I just rolled over 16,000 miles on my 2005 sport. I've had 3 nicks/dings in my windshield over the last 10 months. That's really unacceptible. I've had lots and lots of cars in the past and never once did I have the amount of problems with a windshield within the first 10 months/16,000 miles, or even 5 years and 100,000 miles.
Last week another nick - a tiny one - caused a crack, which grew to about 10" in a day before I took it to a repair place to have it filled in/repaired.
Considering that Toyota is putting thicker windshields into the 2006 models, I'm willing to bet that they know about this issue and that the thicker windshield is corrective action instead of just to "cut down on wind noise" as they say.
Less than a year, 16,000 miles, and I need a new windshield. I love my 4Runner but That's pretty pathetic.
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00328
Senior Member
Most all windshields are crap today. It's just the way they're made. Not something unique to the 4Runner or Toyota.
I had a new windshield(don't remember what kind) replaced in a Jeep GC couple years ago. On the way home from the windshield place a truck kicked up a stone and I got a nice little star. I couldn't F'n believe it. Took it to a place and had it filled in so it wouldn't spread. Brand spankin new windshield.
They're just making them lighter and cheaper.
All windshield brands are crap!
If I need (should say when I need) to replace my windshield in my runner, I will definitely check out the thicker '06 windshield.
I had a new windshield(don't remember what kind) replaced in a Jeep GC couple years ago. On the way home from the windshield place a truck kicked up a stone and I got a nice little star. I couldn't F'n believe it. Took it to a place and had it filled in so it wouldn't spread. Brand spankin new windshield.
They're just making them lighter and cheaper.
All windshield brands are crap!
If I need (should say when I need) to replace my windshield in my runner, I will definitely check out the thicker '06 windshield.
sbryan
Member
phuz said:
Stuff happens as they say. The windshield did get hit with a rock - I heard the hit. I didn't think it would be enough to crack it, but it did.
But rocks and stones are a hazard of driving up here in the coutry where dirt roads are just as common as the interstates. So I'll suck it up and get it replaced.
I'm going with a $175 after-market solution because it was raining today and, while I can see the effect of the water shedding glass on the side windows and the back window, it doesn't seem to make any difference on the windshield. The side and rear windows bead up and the water runs right off. The windshield acts just like any other glass. It may have the coating but perhaps the windshield washer fluid counteracts the coating or something. I just couldn't see a difference. Anyway, for $175 vs over $400 it is kind of a no brainer for me.
New windshield tomorrow with aftermarket glass - we'll see how tough the new glass is.
I took a hit in the windshield from a transport truck heading the other direction. We were both traveling about 60 mph, so the hit would be about 120 mph. I have to get my windshield replaced. I have $100 deductible, and my insurer will permit genuine Toyota glass, so that is what I am going for.
I have 38,000 km (about 24,000 miles) on my 2004 4Runner
I have 38,000 km (about 24,000 miles) on my 2004 4Runner
sbryan
Member
New, aftermarket windshield, is installed. Looks like the original. Manufactured by Pilkington in Mexico. Interesting to note that they make hydrophilic glass for automobiles. I haven't quite figured out yet if this particular glass is or isn't. I called the owner of the company to find out what he knew but he was out and I haven' heard back.
The installer said the new glass is modestly thicker than what he removed - not a lot, but a bit heavier/thicker. So perhaps I have a new, thicker, hydrophilic windshield for $175. Who knows. In any case, they did a nice clean install and I got to look over his shoulder while he did it.
There isn't much holding our gen 4 windshields in, guys and gals. No clips, no shelf to rest on, nothing. A bead of glue on a frame is all there is. The glass then rests on the glue on the frame. Two to four hours for the glue to set up and you are good to go. They actually tape the windshield to the car roof while the glue is drying so it won't slide down the firewall.
Interesting construction. But the passenger airbag deploys off the windshield so it must be fairly rugged.
So far, so good.
The installer said the new glass is modestly thicker than what he removed - not a lot, but a bit heavier/thicker. So perhaps I have a new, thicker, hydrophilic windshield for $175. Who knows. In any case, they did a nice clean install and I got to look over his shoulder while he did it.
There isn't much holding our gen 4 windshields in, guys and gals. No clips, no shelf to rest on, nothing. A bead of glue on a frame is all there is. The glass then rests on the glue on the frame. Two to four hours for the glue to set up and you are good to go. They actually tape the windshield to the car roof while the glue is drying so it won't slide down the firewall.
Interesting construction. But the passenger airbag deploys off the windshield so it must be fairly rugged.
So far, so good.
Boston_Runner
New member
Hey, at least you guys don't have to worry about rocks and road debris puncturing your gas tank. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it received complaints of the fuel tanks being punctured in the Nissan Murano during normal driving conditions and they have started an investigation.
love4runnin
New member
I had my windshield shattered this past weekend and am having it replaced by Safelite. I work for BMW and we actually use them on occasion when customers decline to pay $1200 for their $80,000 cars. I spoke to the guy from Safelite and he assures me they're as good if not better then OEM.
Not to mention it only costs me $251 installed with the $11 gasket kit. I'll take that over $500 any day.
Manny A
Not to mention it only costs me $251 installed with the $11 gasket kit. I'll take that over $500 any day.
Manny A
TeCKis300 said:
Looking at the big picture (Brand New 4Runner) instead of little defects (little chips or dings) will greatly improve your life, make you happier, maintain a good blood pressure, avoid ulcers, reduce stress, and allow you to live a longer life.
Being a perfectionist myself, this is a defect I'm trying to fix from my personality.
Offroader said:
Thanks for the advice...but I'm hardly as irked as that post seemed. A car can never stay perfect forever. And no point keeping it in the garage...I paid for it and I am going to enjoy the heck out of it. Chips and incidents are a fact of life to a well enjoyed vehicle..
Already got the chip filled and it is only a minor imperfection now. Bring on the next rock. Only this time, I'd rather roll over it.
slyangel9
New member
Well, here in NY, if you have a auto policy with full glass, the deductible is waived. 1.5 years later, I have 3 small cracks (about an eighth of an inch) that I've tried to fix. When I do get the big one, I've already decided to go aftermarket whether or not the glass has that hydroplaning stuff. The OEM one is crap and the aftermarket can't be any worse.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
