I had a leaky seal in the top right of windshield. Old windshield was removed and was going to be "reset" with an 85% chance (according to the auto glass shop) that it wouldn't break. But of course, it did, which seems like a racket but that's another discussion.

The new windshield has what I've come to be told is "cross-car distortion." In the driver seat looking to the right, there's a slight distortion on the edge. Same if you're in the passenger seat looking left. (Attached a picture)

Is this normal? Should I ask for a new one? Or am I way off base?

Also, the shop put a nick in my leather steering wheel. Is this fixable? It's very noticeable.

 

Thats shoddy workmanship. Take it back and tell them to fix it. Both of those issues. They did more harm to your car than they did good.

 

I've always heard good things about Safelite -- but each of their stores is different.

Chip H.

 

Sadly I need a new windshield as well. Unfortunately it is $1500 from the Lexus dealer. Since glass doesn't affect one's insurance rate, I'm going to just file it as a claim and pay the $500 deductible. A $1500 windshield is asinine, but I'd rather get it done right than have distortion.

 

Which ever way you go OE is the best no matter what.

Here is the part number:

56111-60501 - Windshield Lexus, w/o rain sensor costs around $590

56111-60513 - Windshield Lexus, w/rain sensor around $900

Good Luck...
Please update how it goes with the insurance... Some companies allow you to make glass claims free of deductible as well so check your policy. You might get lucky

 

It just seems silly- we all HAVE to pay $1000 plus to get a windshield that doesn't distort? I know most people deal with new windshields when they get a crack in them- but this is a case of the seal leaking water in the car when it rains so not really an insurance issue for me. I was told it would be just $65 to replace the seal (couldn't do it), then $99 to remove and reset (couldn't do it) and $260 for a new windshield in case the old one breaks while removing (it did).

 

To me it looks like its a bad windshield they installed...

ASK FOR A NEW WINDSHIELD PLUS DAMAGE TO THE STEERING WHEEL.

 

Oh yes I will! It's a real shame when you car is worse after the work than before you took it in...

I assume fixing the steering wheel will have to be done at the dealership?

 

It all depends which way you do it.

Dealership will usually not repair it but will replace it and charge you a lot of money.

Try Auto upholstery shops its should not be a big repair... They will probably paint it or something to look like leather again..

3rd is to search for used steering wheel either on Ebay or your closest JunkYards where they part out cars....

 

That's the airbag, not the steering wheel itself. It's about $700-900.

Chip H.

 

It will not be 100% perfect but what you will need to help that tear some.

1. Masking Tape
2. 400 grit or higher sandpaper
3. Acetone and a lent free or shop towel to clean are before paint
4. Important part - SEM brand "Color Coat" for plastic & vinyl, and get a semi black etc.

SEM is what pro detail and upholstery repair shops use to refinish, touch up, repair, or complete color change anything found on the interior. It's different from say a spray paint because it can flex and breath. Go to youtube and check it out but that would definitely improve your steering wheel situation.

1. I would not trust that shop that does shoddy work to do the work on your own pride and joy. 2. I would hold them accountable to pay for the materials, or hell better yet like the guy said above a replacement air bag/cover but they are expensive.

If you do repair it i would love to see the picture. Might be a little tough to put that texture back in without a leather stamp, they do make those in the "vinyl repair kits" that are like 15 bucks at the local auto parts store but still wouldn't be exact.

 

I've always used the cheapest windshields I can get in my previous cars and have never had any distortion like that. That's a defective windshield, plain and simple. They could more than likely replace it with another of the same model and it would be fine, they should just check it first.

Bummer about the steering wheel though, that's going to be a pain to deal with. Maybe we will end up in the Takata recall and you'll get a new one that way.

 

I recall reading that GX windshields were thicker than what Toyota put on the 4Runners, for greater soundproofing it seems. So if-when mine cracks or breaks, I'll likely put a Lexus windshield in it instead of a no-name windshield from a glass shop, which is what I used to do on my other cars.

 

Update. The manager at the shop said it was a bad windshield, got a new one. They came out to the house and put it in. No distortion and they didn't forget the rain sensor this time.

There's a local guy that comes out to the Lexus dealership and fixes upholstery on their used cars, gonna have him look at it Tuesday. The glass shop indicated they would pay for the repair but I'm going to verify that again. Sounds like it'll be around $100. The alternative is a new airbag- $1000 just for the part.

Do I ask the glass shop to reduce their bill down from $260 for all this hassle and extra time spent?