Bugflector Windshield Fix

sternforpres · September 30, 2009

2000 Sierra with Bugflector II has the windshield noise problem...I got some double sided tape and some windshield sealant. I tried to take the vertical windshield trim piece off, but the lowest torx screw is not accessable without a 90 degree screwdriver attachment...WTF...is everything a PITA with these trucks?

So now I am thinking of just loosening the top three torx screws and trying to just work something in there, but I am worried that its just too dirty in there for anything to really work. 100k miles and its filty under there. I doubt that I could get a clean surface.

Considering the dirt issue, should I just go buy a 90 degree, I guess I could try to rig it with an adjustable wrench, but I would probably just strip the torx.

Thanks.

Starrman · September 30, 2009

Is your torx screwdriver a bit type attachment? If so, just put the torx bit into a small rachet with a 1/4" socket

asilverblazer · September 30, 2009

Thats what I did, no big deal for me.

sternforpres · September 30, 2009

Ok, returned the double stick tape for some black silicone RTV. Once the truck was in the sun for a while, I was able to clean under the rubber pretty easily with water, then glass cleaner, then lacquer thinner. Ran a bead under the rubber...much easier than taking the pieces off.

Took 20 minutes...

welscher08 · September 30, 2009

Did that fix the issue then? I need to do this on mine. It has only crackled on the right side until we got high winds this past week after driving it home its terrible sounding now.

Thanks Ryan!

502chevy · September 30, 2009

what is the windshield noise problem? i was on the highway driving today and had my parents in the car with me. this is significant cause i usually just ride with the windows down and the stereo up. but i had the ac on since they were with me. well anyways, i was on the interstate and when i got up to about 70mph there was an awful sound coming from what seemed like around the windshield area. it stopped when i got down to about 50 but anything above 70 and it sounds like the windshield isn't even sealed. i was going to start a new thread and then i saw this one, so sorry if i thread jacked, just wondering if you experienced this same thing or if it is a different problem.

welscher08 · October 1, 2009

what is the windshield noise problem? i was on the highway driving today and had my parents in the car with me. this is significant cause i usually just ride with the windows down and the stereo up. but i had the ac on since they were with me. well anyways, i was on the interstate and when i got up to about 70mph there was an awful sound coming from what seemed like around the windshield area. it stopped when i got down to about 50 but anything above 70 and it sounds like the windshield isn't even sealed. i was going to start a new thread and then i saw this one, so sorry if i thread jacked, just wondering if you experienced this same thing or if it is a different problem.

I don't know if its an issue on the NBS or not, maybe someone with one will chime in. But mine is an 03, and from what i believe it to be is the trim panel right on the lower windshield, behind the hood. And mine never did it either, that i know of, i drove it home, then it sat until i put the bug deflector on. But since the bug deflector its like someone is tapping the windshield, mine does it at 50 or higher. So some rainy week, i have the double sided tape bought i need to attempt this.

sternforpres · October 1, 2009

When I put on my Bugflector, it redirected the wind more onto the center of the windshield, and it started the vertical rubber pieces flapping when over 60 MPH. Those two pieces are not glued to the windshield like the top piece. You can test if that is your problem by duct taping over the seam between the glass and the rubber pieces and go over 70 and see if you still hear it.

what is the windshield noise problem? i was on the highway driving today and had my parents in the car with me. this is significant cause i usually just ride with the windows down and the stereo up. but i had the ac on since they were with me. well anyways, i was on the interstate and when i got up to about 70mph there was an awful sound coming from what seemed like around the windshield area. it stopped when i got down to about 50 but anything above 70 and it sounds like the windshield isn't even sealed. i was going to start a new thread and then i saw this one, so sorry if i thread jacked, just wondering if you experienced this same thing or if it is a different problem.

MS3DALE · October 1, 2009

Tapping, Clicking or Ticking Noise at Windshield Area (R and R Right and Left Windshield Side Reveal Moldings to Add Double-Sided Tape)

Subject: Tapping, Clicking or Ticking Noise at Windshield Area (R&R Right and Left Windshield Side Reveal Moldings to Add Double Sided Tape)

Condition:

Some customers may comment on hearing a tapping, clicking or ticking noise at the windshield area. This condition occurs more frequently while driving at highway speeds and could be exaggerated on vehicles with front bug guard deflectors.

Cause:

This condition may be caused by air/wind causing the windshield side reveal moldings to move, generating a noise.

Correction:

Remove both windshield reveal moldings, add double-sided tape and re-install the moldings following the steps below:

Using tape or a grease pencil, mark the position of the inboard edge of both left and right reveal moldings onto the windshield, following the contour of the molding.

Remove the left and right windshield side reveal moldings. Refer to Windshield Side Reveal Molding Replacement in SI.

Being careful not to affect the tape or grease pencil marks, clean and prep the glass at the seal interface with Glass Adhesion Promoter, P/N 12378555 (in Canada, use 88901239).

Apply 3M Adhesion Promoter 4298UV, or equivalent, to the underside of the reveal molding seals.

Tip

An approximate 600 mm (24 in) length of tape should allow for overlap at the top to be trimmed back leaving a tail of release liner and, at minimum, should reach the fender cut line at the bottom.

Apply a 600 mm (24 in) length of 3M Double-Sided Tape EX4008 (0.8 mm (0.031 in) thick x 6 mm (0.236 in) wide), or equivalent, to both sides of the windshield. Ensure the tape position is centered between the windshield edge and the tape/grease pencil line. Do not remove the release lining from the tape yet.

Reinstall the reveal molding to one side by sliding the molding downward and ensuring that the top lip is engaged at the upper edge of the windshield.

Install the fasteners to the reveal molding, starting from the top. Refer to Windshield Side Reveal Molding Replacement, in SI.

Lifting the top edge of the reveal molding, grab the tail of the release lining and pull downward removing the lining.

Press or roll the reveal molding against the windshield ensuring adhesion of the tape to the glass.

Remove tape or clean the grease pencil marks from the windshield.

If positioned correctly, trimming of the double sided tape should not be necessary, however inspect the reveal moldings for any tape not covered and trim off any exposed tape.

Important: After taping the windshield reveal moldings, avoid washing the vehicle as well as excessive contact with the windshield reveal moldings for a minimum of 72 hours.

Parts Information

3M products may be purchased through your local distributor. Information about 3M product retailers in your area may be obtained by calling 1-866-364-3577 (U.S. and Canada).

Part Number

Description

Material Allowance

12378555 (In Canada, use 88901239)

Promoter, Glass Adhesion

NA

EX4008

3M™ Acrylic Plus Tape

$2.66 (per vehicle)

4298 UV

3M™ Adhesion Promoter

$1.25 (one per vehicle)

CapitalTruck · October 2, 2009

I just sent my bugflector back to Amazon.com (they have a TON of car stuff on there!!) and got my money back. I couldn't put up with/feel like fixing the noise. I definitely had a bad case of it.

502chevy · October 2, 2009

is that a tsb MS3DALE? just wondering if it is something i should take it to the dealer for?

MS3DALE · October 2, 2009

is that a tsb MS3DALE? just wondering if it is something i should take it to the dealer for?

Yes,It is a TSB.

502chevy · October 2, 2009

thanks alot, i appreciate it. it was really getting on my nerves going down the express way. i put some tape on the moldings and it took care of the issue, looks like it will be at the dealer 1st thing monday morning. thanks alot guys!

sternforpres · October 5, 2009

The silicone fixed the noise for me, it was only about 20 minutes in the driveway...I don't think its worth giving the dealer 50 bucks. I think the double sided tape is overkill, and a PITA if you ask me.

Just wash under the rubber at least three times (water, water, glass cleaner) and allow to dry. Cut the silicone tip as small possible (maybe a mm), start at the top, stick the tip just under the lip, and draw down, use your finger to touch up any silicone that squeezes out. Helps to have some thinner around, if you really make a mess, or just razor blade the mistakes.

thanks alot, i appreciate it. it was really getting on my nerves going down the express way. i put some tape on the moldings and it took care of the issue, looks like it will be at the dealer 1st thing monday morning. thanks alot guys!