windshield glass defect!!!
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 105
From: Waiting for next track day
windshield glass defect!!!
I was doing my weekly wash and spray wxa today and while cleaning over the top of the windshield I noticed that there was a line of bubbles at the top of the glass that was 8-10 inches long. I know lexus will take care of it. I was wondering if any other members have had this problem. I am not so pissed because my winshiled has lots of scratches in it. Still kind of strange.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: MO
I noticed it too. My GS430's got it too. I work at a dealer and most of them have it. I have seen a few that don't. I can't explain what it is...probably just the design because there's no molding covering the top and allows dirt to trap in there. when you're driving, the wind just pushes the dirt in...probably go to your dealer and see if u can get it warranted. I don't want to mess with it until it gets really bad because when they remove the glass, they use a big blade to cut the sealant, that digs into the paint and some people will paint over it to prevent rust...and some won't so it's up to you. unless there's another process that is out there that i don't know about that won't gouge into the paint.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 105
From: Waiting for next track day
thanks for the input man. i was pretty sure it was the glass. the dealership thought it might be the seal around the glass thats bad and allowing the air to get in. I think its the glass. I live in AZ so the temps are insane and the car is parked in the open all day long
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 2
From: nj
Gee, I just got these bubbles too 
Had my car exactly from 3 years, and all of a sudden got them now. And its exactly as you describe it, at the top edge of the windshield. Can you please let me know if your dealership was able to fix it? Was it under warranty?
Had my car exactly from 3 years, and all of a sudden got them now. And its exactly as you describe it, at the top edge of the windshield. Can you please let me know if your dealership was able to fix it? Was it under warranty?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Texas
In this seam is where the auto-wiper sensor is located. When the car is in motion, the beads of water glide uphill and into this seam - kicking on the wipers. Although it looks sh_tty - the seal is still good.
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I have 6 or 7 of them on the drivers side about 1/4" from top of the windshield. No way am I going to mention it or have them try to "fix". I've never seen a piece of front or rear glass replaced where it and the trim matched up 100% and it's just another opportunity for new wind noise. Risk/Reward on a repair would not be worth it to me.
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Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 105
From: Waiting for next track day
I will check. Thanks for the heads up Henry. Like I have said before, you are a Lexus guru who is loaded with info. Any idea why its like that?? I was initially thinking it was a result of the insane temps in the Summer. I had a feeling it was not something that had a permanent solution because I still have the bubbles even with a new Lexus windshield.
good questions, i have no idea where they came from, but i am pretty sure they were there since day 1. all my cars, the first thing coming back home, is a full scale detailing job. i noticed this problem on BOTH my gs350 and ls460l. they are in the glass, doesn't seem to be on the seal or anything. i couldn't understand why but then again i don't think they are big deal, so i didn't want to go through the trouble or getting it "fixed"
over the 2 yrs i have had this car, i have worked on no less than 10-15 3gs, 2is, and 4ls, and unfortunately i noticed similar problems on all of them. if one pays close attention to all the "black" areas of the front and rear windows, you will almost always find these bubbles here and there. they are not just at the top, i think on my ls460l i noticed it along the side, and on some cars i noticed it at the bottom.
i hate to say, but i don't recall seeing them on my gs400, sc430, and is300. of course i no longer have those cars to confirm, but i just don't recall noticing them before (which i noticed the FIRST time i worked on my cars).
if i have to blame, i blame quality control, but i am no expert in this area enough to say too much about it
over the 2 yrs i have had this car, i have worked on no less than 10-15 3gs, 2is, and 4ls, and unfortunately i noticed similar problems on all of them. if one pays close attention to all the "black" areas of the front and rear windows, you will almost always find these bubbles here and there. they are not just at the top, i think on my ls460l i noticed it along the side, and on some cars i noticed it at the bottom.
i hate to say, but i don't recall seeing them on my gs400, sc430, and is300. of course i no longer have those cars to confirm, but i just don't recall noticing them before (which i noticed the FIRST time i worked on my cars).
if i have to blame, i blame quality control, but i am no expert in this area enough to say too much about it
i have been saying it since 2007. the new line of lexus is a new attempt from lexus, however the quality of their cars have definitely dropped. ls430 and sc430 are still easily the most reliable and best built lexus ever. the new lexus (take it the 2is, 3gs, or 4ls), the fit and finish are just not as good as before, and if i really go in and pick on the details there are definitely more issues on the new lexus
that's why i always try to warn them, having quantity is nice, but not at the cost of quality
that's why i always try to warn them, having quantity is nice, but not at the cost of quality