Leaking windscreen

[WillJ]

Just had the Autoglass man replace the windscreen of my Audi. (he did an excellent job). Was discussing the issue I have with my 3.2 windscreen leaking. It's a new screen that was put in by the garage I bought it from. He said it was because it had been fitted "dry" and no sealant had been used on the rubber seal. Apparently something like Arbomast sealant should have been used between glass and seal, and seal and frame.

Does anyone also have experience of this? Would be surprised if the garage had fitted it incorrectly. They are a quite well known and established independent who should know what they are doing......

 

[T911UK]

Its normal to use some sealant, especially at the bottom corners

 

[sesame]

Our experience is that our screen leaked on the way home from first purchase 17 years ago. When we replaced the screen shortly afterwards we provided a new OEM screen seal. No sealant required, not leaked in all the years.
Is yours an '89 car?
If it is perhaps its got the wrong screen fitted.
Steve

 

[WillJ]

yes - is an 89 car, though the garage that installed it knew this and the fact they are different. Is there any way to double check?

 

[sesame]

Perhaps check the part number they have used as it should be for a 964 and not the part number for a pre 1989 3.2. Also, if it is the right screen perhaps the rubber seal should have been replaced at the same time. Fitters are not so keen as a new seal is harder to work with, I know from the comments the two chaps made that turned up to fit mine.
Not sure how you can tell the screens apart by looking at them except the 1989 one is slightly larger than the earlier one, hard to check once installed? Steve

 

[WillJ]

It has a new seal which apparently was awkward and not a great fit..... he tried several and even a non Porsche one. The porsche one was the best but still not great. And now it leaks...

Will try to check part number etc...

 

[T911UK]

If the screen fits they have used the correct seal, no way you could use an early seal on a late screen, it would be far too big, a late seal on a early screen will be far too small. I would refit with sealant at the bottom corners.

 

[WillJ]

So… if it is the 964 windscreen, to do the install “by the book” would be to refer to the 964 workshop manual… which advises to use sealant. (Which wasn’t used on mine)….

 

[T911UK]

Did you get the Autoglass fitters number? Sounds like he knows what he is doing, to pop that out and seal it is easy enough

 

[Glassman]

Just had the Autoglass man replace the windscreen of my Audi. (he did an excellent job). Was discussing the issue I have with my 3.2 windscreen leaking. It's a new screen that was put in by the garage I bought it from. He said it was because it had been fitted "dry" and no sealant had been used on the rubber seal. Apparently something like Arbomast sealant should have been used between glass and seal, and seal and frame.

Does anyone also have experience of this? Would be surprised if the garage had fitted it incorrectly. They are a quite well known and established independent who should know what they are doing......

Arbomast is the product used by most in the trade. It does dry and crumble in time whereas other non-curing sealants don't.

Rule of thumb: seal the rubber both glass and body side. In my opinion, dashboard out too if you want to be 100% certain...