Repair And Fix it

The washer pumps in a 2000 GMC Jimmy are located on the outside edge of the washer fluid reservoir, next to the right-side fender. These electric pumps draw fluid from the reservoir and force it through rubber tubes that connect to the washer jet nozzles. Over time, the small motors inside these pumps wear out and fail, rendering the washer fluid system inoperable. In order to replace these pumps, the washer reservoir must be removed from the vehicle.

Instructions

Removal

1

Shut down the engine and pop open the hood. Open the washer fluid reservoir cap and draw the fluid out of the reservoir and into a bucket with a hand pump.

2

Disconnect the electrical connectors and hoses from the washer pumps near the bottom of the reservoir.

3

Remove the screw holding the reservoir to the vehicle with a ratchet and metric socket.

4

Lift up on the reservoir and remove it from the vehicle. Remove each from the reservoir by gently pulling and twisting it until it pops loose from its rubber grommet.

Installation

5

Install each new pump into the reservoir by pressing it into the rubber grommet, using a twisting motion, until it is fully seated.

6

Set the reservoir into position inside the engine compartment and reinstall its retaining screw. Torque the screw to 27 inch-pounds, using a torque wrench.

7

Reconnect the hoses and electrical connectors to both pumps.

8

Place a funnel inside the reservoir fill hole and refill the reservoir to the appropriate level, then test the pumps.

The improper use of tools or lack of experience in removing windshield glass can cause serious damage to a vehicle. Worse yet, there are reports of serious bodily injury caused by people attempting do-it-yourself windshield removal. Specific tools and techniques are needed for proper windshield removal. Windshield removal tools are available in hand-driven and power models in a variety of price ranges.

Cut-Out Wire

Windshield cut-out wire slices through old adhesive sealing compound that holds the window in place. The compound usually is made of urethane or silicone, which can be hard to cut through once it has cured. Cut-out wire is made of stainless-steel and performs like a cutting saw tooth to cut through the seal. The wire goes under the sealing compound around the entire edge of the windshield. Once secured, its lifted out of the vehicle with plastic handles that are attached to the ends of the wire.

Cable Knife

Cable knives use a lever action to quickly remove silicone sealant from around the windshield. Cable-knife blades are convenient because the stainless-steel blades are quickly adjusted or changed as needed without removing screws from the knife. Foam covers are used to protect against scratching and to provide more comfort to the user. This foam is also an important safety feature because it makes for a better grip, which prevents slippage. Blades are available in -inch, 1-inch and 1-inch sizes. Pneumatic knives cut through material at 12,000 strokes per minute with no lubricant for even faster windshield removal.

Extractor Cut-Out Tool

Although the primary use for this tool is the removal of auto glass, its also known to be utilized in other applications such as cutting glazing on commercial glass windows and removing barnacles on the bottoms of boats. The manufacturers of this tool claim that 95 percent of the windshields removed wont get damaged. The motor provides 2,000 strokes per minute and comes in a cordless model.

Longtime car owners know that no matter how careful you are, sooner or later your windshield will get etched. Flying sand or pebbles can etch small grooves or nicks. Bad wipers used often enough can etch sweeping patterns. Some vandal could even do it intentionally, scratching the glass with a key just as they might the paint. However it got etched, you may be able to repair the problem yourself.

Instructions

1

Clean the glass with water and a soft cloth. If is particularly dirty, use a glass cleaner (like Windex).

2

Stir together a one:one:one mixture of jewelers rouge, glycerin, and water. Two tablespoons of each should be sufficient.

3

Rub that mixture over the etching mark with a soft cloth. Be sure it fills the etching, but do not push too hard or you might make the problem worse.

4

Let it sit at least 30 seconds.

5

Wipe the glass gently with a glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not press too deeply or rub too hard; the goal is the leave the solution nestled in the etching and remove the rest.

6

Repeat one or two more times as needed. If after three rounds you still have the mark, it is deep enough that you will need to take the car in.

The windshield of a 1978 Ford is held in place with a rubber gasket and urethane sealant. Two people are usually required to complete this job because the windshield is so heavy and unwieldy. It is important to install a new windshield if the old one has a crack longer than 6 inches; cracks beyond this length compromise the integrity of the windshield. If you have a crack or chip larger than a quarter -- according to the laws of some states -- the windshield must be replaced.

Instructions

1

Wipe rust from the windshield frame with a damp cloth. Wipe any sealant off the new gasket. Put the gasket in a warm place to loosen it up.

2

Fit the new gasket around the replacement windshield; the slotted side of the gasket must face the outside the vehicle. Run a thin layer of urethane sealant along the bottom half of the gaskets channel.

3

Wipe petroleum jelly in the gaskets outer groove; add extra to the top and bottom center. Run a heavy nylon cord around the outer groove, starting at the bottom center. Leave the long ends of cord dangling in the center.

4

Place the windshield in the opening from outside the vehicle. An assistant should sit inside the front seat of the vehicle and help guide the windshield into the windshield frame. The assistant should make sure the nylon cords rest on the dashboard inside the vehicle.

5

Pull one end of the cord slowly out and around the frame. This will pull the rubber lip of the gasket into place. Instruct your assistant to press the gasket around the outside edge of the Ford.

6

Wipe off any extra petroleum jelly. Reinstall the rearview mirror and windshield wipers. Allow the sealant to dry for two days before driving.

Mercedes began manufacturing the SL series in 1954. You can save yourself some money by removing the the 450SLs windshield at home. While you may remove the windshield yourself, it may be difficult and it is safer to have a friend assist you with its unwieldy removal. Before starting the job, you may need to purchase a few supplies at an auto parts store. After you have all of the needed supplies to remove the windshield, the job should take about one-half hour to complete.

Instructions

1

Pull up the vehicles windshield wipers and remove the nuts on the back of the wipers, using an adjustable wrench. Move the wipers side to side and pull them up and off the vehicle. Set them aside.

2

Put on the work gloves to protect your hands. Place the pry tool into the windshields rubber seal and run completely around the windshield to loosen it. Remove the seal with your hands and throw it away.

3

Insert the windshield wire tool under the windshield and run it around the entire windshield to break the glue seal.

4

Position yourself in the vehicles drivers seat with your assistant outside the car, facing the windshield. Push the windshield out, using your hands as your assistant catches it on the outside.

5

Scrape off the old urethane glue from the windshield opening, using a utility knife.