Do-it-yourself selection and replacement of a windshield for a VAZ 2114
For a VAZ car, standard dimensions are used for windshield models, starting with the VAZ 2108: 1400 by 662 millimeters. VAZ 2114 is no exception, which greatly facilitates the search and selection of spare parts for the car.
For a VAZ car, standard dimensions are used for windshield models, starting with the VAZ 2108: 1400 by 662 millimeters. VAZ 2114 is no exception, which greatly facilitates the search and selection of spare parts for the car.
Car windshields are particularly durable compared to ordinary glass used, for example, in window frames. In the VAZ 2114 it has a three-layer construction, which is also called triplex.
The design of the “lobovukha” is represented by two glasses, between which there is a transparent film. Such a film is of particular importance because it prevents fragments from scattering in different directions in the event of damage or impact of the material.
When replacement is required
Even experienced drivers are not always able to fully predict the road situation. Therefore, during the operation of the car, it may be necessary to replace the windshield.
The main cause of windshield damage is the unsatisfactory condition of the roads. Sometimes even a small stone thrown from under the wheels of an oncoming car can cause large cracks in the front end.
Conventionally, all damage can be divided into:
- Cracks;
- Chips.
A chip is usually damage to the top layer of the windshield. We can say that such a defect is insignificant.
A crack poses a serious danger to road users and requires immediate intervention, since otherwise the front guard may simply fall out.
Depending on the type of defect, you can determine the necessary actions of the car owner.
Type of damage | Action |
Formation of chips on the surface | Can be used further |
Appearance of cracks | Apply temporary measures to prevent the glass from falling out, and then replace it |
Windshield Frame Repair
Causes of damage and diagnosis of the windshield frame
Car enthusiasts believe that the main reason for rusting and rotting of glass frames in domestic models is the imperfection of the factory body assembly. Direct welding of the windshield frame to the roof is carried out on unpainted metal without anti-corrosion coating. Considering the poor quality of the rubber seals at the junctions of the frame and the windshield, this assembly method leads to water leakage during rain and washing. Active pockets of corrosion appear, which the car owner can notice by the “saffron caps” on the glass frame. In the future, corrosion and decay lead to increased vibrations or glass loss.
In foreign cars, frames rust less frequently; they are characterized by accidental damage due to side impacts and car rollovers. In some cases, local repair of metal distortions is possible, but usually a comprehensive restoration of the geometry of the frame, the leading edge of the roof, and the side pillars of the windshield is required. Body work is complicated by the complex curved configuration of the windshield, which is precisely followed by the contours of the frame.
A comprehensive professional diagnosis of frame damage is only possible after dismantling the windshield. The main purpose of diagnostics is to determine the extent of damage, technology and cost of repair. To dismantle the glass, it is necessary to remove rubber gaskets, decorative moldings, and remove layers of sealant and glue. Many foreign cars have special fasteners welded inside the frame for plastic clips on moldings, which are easily damaged.
After dismantling work, the geometry of the windshield opening, front support pillars, and roof edges are checked. Minor metal distortions can be corrected using adhesive or vacuum extraction, which does not require repainting the frame and stands. To correct more complex deformations, a spotter extractor is used, under which the paint layer is cleared to bare metal. The final adjustment of the geometric dimensions of the window opening is carried out by hand straightening. It is unacceptable to correct unevenness with a thick layer of putty, which will crack from vibrations after a couple of months of use. If large metal tears or extensive corrosion areas are detected, welding or complete replacement of the windshield frame will be required.
Methods for body repair of windshield frame
If it is impossible to apply gentle pulling or manual straightening techniques on site, the windshield frame is completely dismantled. To do this, depending on the body structure, you need to unscrew the bolted connections or cut off the welds (drill out spot welds) of the frame fastenings to the support pillars and the roof of the body.
After dismantling the windshield frame, auto mechanics carry out restoration work on it:
- completely remove paint;
- restore shape and size (in case of mechanical deformations);
- cut out rusty fragments or the perimeter of the edge;
- measure and prepare metal inserts;
- weld frame fragments;
- clean the welds;
- treat internal surfaces with “anti-corrosion”;
- try on the repaired frame on temporary fastenings;
- prime, putty the metal, grind the putty after drying;
- install the frame in its original place;
- connect the frame to the body (bolt connections, spot welding);
- paint the frame or the entire car;
- install windshield.
When painting a frame locally, you need to select automotive enamel to match the color of the old paint - we will select, paint and polish it.
Advantages of ordering frame repairs from our car service center
Judging by customer reviews, they consider the main advantages of our car service to be the skill of tinsmiths and the use of various body repair technologies. To carry out body work, the workshop is equipped with modern equipment (paint booths, power stocks), and hand tools.
Our customers like having measurements taken in front of them and a detailed discussion of repair estimates. The craftsmen always explain to customers the chosen repair technology and advise on the necessary additional work.
Customers consider the following benefits of ordering windshield frame repair:
- speed of repair work;
- affordable repair prices;
- own guarantees of the quality of the “Auto Captain” service;
- take care of the car during repairs.
For our working customers, it is convenient to quickly receive applications (by e-mail, telephone), and receive cars in the evening. Cumulative bonuses and promotional offers save money for regular customers.
Temporary protection
Temporary protection of glass can be carried out in several ways that will preserve the integrity of the windshield until it becomes possible to purchase a new spare part.
- First, you need to “break” the structure of the crack and the directions along which it goes. Using a glass cutter, make cuts about 0.5 centimeters from each edge across the crack.
- Drill several thin holes along the edges of the crack. To do this, use a diamond drill. These measures will prevent the crack from going further.
- Enlist the help of auto repair shops that are qualified in this matter. In good workshops, cracks that have arisen can be welded so that they are not even visible from the outside.
Having taken temporary measures, you should start searching for and purchasing a new part as soon as possible, otherwise the scale of the problem will increase. Temporary measures are called temporary because they cannot completely eliminate the problem.
Selection and replacement of glass
When purchasing a windshield for a VAZ 2114 car, you need to take into account several important circumstances that influence the choice of a high-quality and durable product.
There are two ways to directly replace any damaged car part:
- With the help of specialists at the service center;
- Independently, with the help of others.
It is recommended to change the windshield yourself only with the help of others and only when you have at least some experience in this matter.
If you are not confident in your abilities, do not skimp on installing a windshield and trust the professionals.
If you nevertheless decide to use a more complex but budget option, that is, you are going to install the windshield yourself, you should remember that replacing the windshield of a VAZ 2114 is carried out approximately in the following order.
- Free the removable windshield from the antenna, mirror, alarm, video recorder and other foreign objects that may be on it or glued to it. Remove the side trims on both sides.
- Remove the old windshield using gentle pressure from the inside. Start squeezing the “lobovka” outward from any angle convenient for you.
- Make sure that the seal is also removed from the car along with it. Take a closer look; if the parts are difficult to remove manually, use a flat-head screwdriver made of reliable metal. Pry up the part using the tool as a lever, this will make the glass come out faster. Squeeze the rubber seal over the metal edge of the body.
- At the same time, it will most likely not be possible to remove the triplex intact, since it is already damaged. There is no particular need for this, since using a windshield with numerous cracks poses a danger to the life and health of people in the car. But for your own safety, when removing old glass, use protective gloves to prevent cuts and be extremely careful.
- After removing the old windshield from the groove, the opening must be thoroughly cleaned and get rid of any remaining sealant. Even if the old seal remains intact after dismantling the windshield, it is still recommended to purchase a new seal and use it to install a new spare part.
- Pay attention to the corners of the seal. At the bend points there must be special holes for water to escape - “drains” or drainage holes. The drainage holes of the seal and the car body must match, otherwise water, if it gets on the glass, will end up in the car interior.
- The new seal should be well lubricated, for example with sealant or silicone, which will simplify the installation of the new glass. Some experts believe that the use of sealant or silicone, although it makes the glass fit stronger, nevertheless complicates its removal in case of damage. So in this matter, rely on your own opinion.
- Place the lubricated seal on the new windshield
- On the inside of the seal, it is necessary to place a thin thread of nylon around the entire perimeter so that the edges of the thread are in the middle at the bottom of the glass.
- Enlist the help of a friend: grab the “lobovuha” from different sides and insert it into the opening of your car, and then carefully press it to the seat. Lead the ends of the nylon cord inside the car, that is, into the interior.
- Next, one person should press the “lobovka”, while the other should carefully pull out the nylon thread from under the seal. When approaching corners, be especially careful, since it is at the bends that the nylon thread is most difficult to remove.
In car services, the process of replacing a windshield generally takes no more than half an hour, while replacing it yourself will take much more time. To make installation easier, special handles with suction cups are used, with which it can be easily lifted and inserted into the opening.
Only you can decide how to replace your windshield - yourself or with the help of specialists. One way or another, the presence of cracks on the windshield indicates the need to replace it as soon as possible. Don't risk your health and the health of your passengers!
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Windshield replacement
There are also options. Either a car service or yourself. If you have at least a little experience in carrying out repairs and a friend who is ready to help, the independent method is much cheaper.
Sequence of actions when replacing the windshield on a VAZ 2114:
- Get out the old glass. To do this, carefully squeeze it out, starting from any corner. The seal should come out along with the glass; if difficulties arise, you need to help with a screwdriver. The glass will most likely crack, so you should work with gloves and follow safety precautions.
- Clean the glass opening and seal from dirt. If the seal is already cracked, purchase a new one.
- You can apply lubricant to the seal to make installation easier.
- Place the seal on the glass.
- From the inside, under the seal, insert a thin nylon cord around the entire perimeter, its ends should be at the bottom in the middle.
- Together with an assistant, insert the glass into the opening, carefully and gently pressing it. The ends of the cord must be inside the car.
- One comrade presses the glass against the opening, the second, inside the car, carefully pulls out the cord from under the seal, which during this procedure enters the side of the opening. You need to be especially careful when pulling out the cord from the corners.