Rock caused cracked Winshield

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Permalink Reply by Jody on June 19, 2009 at 4:21am

I went through the same thing the day after I got my Smart last year...

Here's what you need to know:
1: It's not cheap. The glass alone is $700+
2: If they tell you they need to replace the rain sensor, that is incorrect! They only need to replace the gel-pak inside it, and it's pretty much the same gel pak used by most other mercedes vehicles. That alone will save you about $150 (based on pricing for the complete sensor vs. pak here).

If you have it done by Safelite or other aftermarket company, be sure they apply enough pressure to the top of the windshield so it sits properly flush at the top. If it sits too high, it will cause a whistling noise at 70 mph which I found annoying and had to have mine reseated.

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Permalink Reply by Dave on June 19, 2009 at 11:05am

Thanks Jody, this is exactly the type of information I am looking for. The smart dealer is quoting me between $700 & $800

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Permalink Reply by smart cat on June 19, 2009 at 7:03pm

I'd shop around - I replaced mine for under $400

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Permalink Reply by Dave on June 19, 2009 at 7:07pm

Where are you located? Did you have any issues with the replacement??? Leaks, noise etc

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Permalink Reply by smart cat on June 19, 2009 at 7:24pm

Philly. Had the new windshield for nearly 2 months now. We've had a lot of rain here, and haven't had any problems at all. good as new

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Permalink Reply by SATO on June 19, 2009 at 2:57pm

Dave, here in Florida its covered under the no fault part of your insurance... I paid $0.00 for my replacement....

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Permalink Reply by Dave on June 19, 2009 at 6:57pm

That would be nice but that's not the case here in California. Did you have any problems with the replacement winshield or the install ? Was it a factory windshield ?

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Permalink Reply by SATO on June 20, 2009 at 4:56pm

It was a factory windshield as the company that my insurance sent told me they would have to pick up the glass at the dealer and then go to my house to do it in the driveway. I even helped the guy do it and was pretty simple. The two triangles that are in front of the mirrors were loosened and the screw that fixes the wrap around front vent were removed. that gives a little more space to work with. then the windshield wipers were removed by popping up the caps and just removing the nut. On the inside the guy used what looked like a saws-all with a very wide metal spatula to cut between the glass and the trideon... in effect cutting through the black glue that holds the glass in place. Mine had no rain sensor so it was easier to just put the new glass in.. I also removed the OEM mirror about a year ago so that was skipped. there are these tiny 3/4 or one inch long spacers at the bottom "front" of the glass area that must be positioned before the new glass is put back on. these give the special caulk glue the space to adhere uniformly and not squish out... Important!.... other than that and the fact you cannot drive the car for a day... and the lingering STRONG smell of the potent caulk glue your DONE! check out mi pics to see the visuals...

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Permalink Reply by SATO on June 20, 2009 at 4:57pm

oh I almost forgot.. if you have the rain sensing hockey puck on your wind shield, there is just a gel pad that must be replaced.. not the whole sensor.......

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Permalink Reply by Dave on June 20, 2009 at 5:47pm

Thanks, Great Info. I was just going to leave the car at the dealer.( They give me a loner ) They have a glass place who has done all their glass replacements so hopefully they know what they are doing.

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Permalink Reply by SATO on June 20, 2009 at 7:22pm

when you go to pick up your car, make sure you check the top and side gaps for proper alignment and fit... if done wrong you will get wind noise at 70+/- mph

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Permalink Reply by Dave on July 10, 2009 at 6:55pm

Just got the windshield replaced. Went through Safelite after hearing their commercials on the radio. Went on their website and filled out the information and they said they'd call within a half hour or any time I wanted. Within a half hour they called and told me they had a windshield in stock and could have it replaced the next day. They called 15 minutes before arriving, it took them less than an hour. Very satisfied. They didin't even have to remove the wipers!! Price with rain sensor was under $700.00. The markings on the windshield are same, minus the "smart" name, but the emblem is still there.

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