Gap above windshield after glass replacement

[APM]

I just had to get my front windshield replaced. An 8 inch crack developed on the top of the passenger side, just next to the rearview mirror. Safelite quoted $326. I got the work done for $315 at a local, reputable auto glass shop. Looks like OEM glass, with the heating element and correct attachment for the auto dimming mirror.

There is a 1/4" gap now at the top of the windshield. Photos attached. Is this gap normal? I didn't check the gap before I had the work done. Can anyone look at their vehicle to compare the size of the gap?

I'm worried that there should be some weather stripping in the gap and that I could have issues with rain if I leave this problem unchecked.

Thanks.

 

[Jetboy]

There is no weather strip. Mine has a gap, probably a bit smaller, but it's there. It collects bugs. Not much you can really do about it.

 

[APM]

Thanks

 

[NMJack]

I have three 5th gens in the household, and the 2014 had to have a new windshield. As with you, after replacement I noticed a gap and compared it with both 2015's. I even used calipers. Turns out, the factory installation has a lip (or something) on the gasket/adhesive that the aftermarket does not. Although the gap is slightly wider than factory, the appearance suggests more of a change than actually happened. In my instance, after measuring, I found the windshield to be slightly crooked, so that the gap was bigger on one side than the other. Fortunately, I dealt with a very reputable shop. They pulled the windshield and reinstalled. Lesson learned: skip the convenience of having it done at work/home and take it to their shop. When asked point blank "what it the best way to insure an accurate installation?", the shop manager acknowledge that "in my shop, with two people is the right approach." It's now all academic, since we just had another crack and are repeating the replacement tomorrow.... AZ is very tough on windshields.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I just checked my factory windshield. It has a perfectly even gap all the way across.

 

[flyrv9]

I dunno - I lived in Arizona (Phoenix area) for over 20 years and never had to replace a windshield. I moved to Kansas in 96 and have replaced 2 on the same vehicle, which now has a crack. Also have a crack in the one on our Tundra, but since it's under where the wipers are - I'll probalby leave it.

 

[NMJack]

I dunno - I lived in Arizona (Phoenix area) for over 20 years and never had to replace a windshield.

That's probably because you're in the city. I'm down here in "cowboy country."

 

[Ol'Baditude]

Noticed the exact same thing after I had my windshield replaced. Couldn't tell you if it was there before because I never thought to look, but you sure notice it when you go to take the tape off. Perfectly normal apparently, and haven't had any issues.

 

[overspeedcowboy]

I replaced my OEM windshield with Fuyao. I also now see a 0.25" gap along the top, and it collects a significantly larger amount of debris than OEM. Could anyone measure/post the OEM gap width? I am aware of comment #4 above regarding the OEM gasket containing the extra lip.

 

[rageandlove]

I replaced my OEM windshield with Fuyao. I also now see a 0.25" gap along the top, and it collects a significantly larger amount of debris than OEM. Could anyone measure/post the OEM gap width? I am aware of comment #4 above regarding the OEM gasket containing the extra lip.

Mine is still OEM (despite rock fired at me by a semi).

The gap is somewhere between 3/16 and 1/4, so I don't think yours is out of spec.

(from the photo above it looks like the replacement gasket is thicker so there is LESS room for crap to build up ...)

 

[RichinRidgewood]

Ok, so one of the places I used to work was in Building 4 of Ford Motor Company. That is where all of the bench testing took place. I have seen many roof crush tests. The glass is structural in a vehicle. Without having the glass in place or not having it glued in correctly the results will be reduced roof crush resistance aka you have a better chance of getting squished in a roll over.

I would have the dims wits remove it and clean ALL of the goop off and re -attach it while you were there.

 

[Daikon]

So, I just got back from SunTec Auto Glass Replacement of Peoria, AZ. The guy who installed the cracked one, did a mighty fine job. I think it was closer to $1800 for mine.
Good to go.

Wow. Oem I’m assuming?

 

[Pirateghost]

What if you want OEM glass for replacement? Noticed all my side glass has Toyota stickers. If I had to replace something would like it to still look the same.