I was hearing something under the debris cover between the windshield and engine bay that would rattle from one side to the other when turning. Took the wipers off, took the cover off, and found this in the corner. No idea where it came from. Has an adhesive on the back. Anyone know what this is?

 

Looks like one of the two bump stops at the bottom of the windshield, used to help align during installation. After the glass is in that part doesn't do anything. If it's the part I think it is would like to know how it came out.

 

It doesn't look like anything that belongs in the cowl area. Most parts in the cowl are black so they cannot easily be seen. I doubt it was ever part of your car.

It may have dropped off an appliance service vehicle traveling ahead of you and flipped up into your car's cowl. Or, maybe someone picked the part up from a parking lot and tossed it into the air and it hit your windshield and dropped right into your car's cowl.

 

Looks like 56114-50020 to me

 

that’s it!

 

Keep it around for if you ever get the windshield replaced. Could be the glass shop who did the job last time didn't install the clip properly or at all so it rattled around and finally showed itself.

 

@LeX2K - Bingo! You're right!


But I don't know how this windshield retainer clip is actually used and whether it is used temporarily to hold a windshield in place while the adhesive is setting-up and drying or if it is somehow permanently installed where it cannot be seen. And, why was it loose in the cowl area?

It doesn't look like anything that belongs or should be visible in the cowl area. Most parts in the cowl are black so they cannot easily be seen.

 

Toyota Windshield Glass Retainer #56114-50020


About this product:

The Windshield Glass Retainer (#56114-50020) serves a primary role in keeping the windshield glass securely in place while the vehicle is in operation. This part works in tandem with the windshield and cowl panel to ensure stability, preventing any shifting or shaking that could disrupt the driver's visibility. As with many parts of a vehicle, the Windshield Glass Retainer (#56114-50020) can wear out over time. When this happens, it might not hold the windshield glass as firmly as it should, potentially leading to rattling, leaks, or in worst cases, detachment of the windshield. The Windshield Glass Retainer is an integral auto part of two systems: the Body Cowl Panel & Windshield Glass and mainly secures the windshield into position, preventing it from dislodging during a vehicle's operation. The retainer works by gripping the glass firmly and is typically fitted against the frame or body of the car.

Over time, the Windshield Glass Retainer (#56114-50020) can wear out, become old, or even break. When this happens, the windshield or back window glass could potentially loosen or dislodge, posing a safety hazard. Therefore, regular inspection and replacement of this part are recommended. Genuine Toyota parts, like the Windshield Glass Retainer (#56114-50020), are designed specifically for Toyota (and Lexus) vehicles ensuring optimal compatibility and are backed by Toyota's genuine parts warranty. This part significantly contributes to the overall safety of the car by keeping the glass elements securely in place.




It appears after the retainer is fastened to the glass using the adhesive on the retainer, the grooved lip of the retainer attaches to, or is clipped onto, the cowl panel (for windshield glass installation). In the case of rear window glass installation the retainers attach to or is clipped unto the roof panel.


So, how does one go about following the instructions given to inspect these windshield glass retainers to see if they are old, worn out or broken (or completely missing)

And also, how does one go about replacing them?

 

Below is a one hour video of an expert replacing a windshield in a 2015 Lexus GS 350. I can see the remains of the adhesive where one of the original factory windshield retainers was located below the VIN number window opening at the base of the windshield (1st image below) but didn't see either of them before they were removed and tossed into the yellow parts tray. Maybe the retainers are visible underneath the curved portion of the windshield pillar molding trim at the base of the windshield if lifted up.