Windscreen

Have had a suspicion for a while that the original windscreen seals were leaking. After a hard down pour or washing with a hose, there would be water collecting on the driver's floor mat. Also, there was a stone chip which had failed to be mended satisfactorily by Auto***.

Decided that it would be best to fit and replace the windscreen myself as keen to ensure that the windscreen frame once revealed was in good order before a new seal and windscreen fitted. In preparation, ordered some original parts - windscreen seal (LR056278) and new windscreen (LR042760).

Now armed with Google knowledge (useful links here and here), removed the windscreen. This was fairly easily accomplished. The A frame trim pieces were removed and then a plastic trim tool used to peel back the rubber seal. Pressure from the inside (foot) saw the windscreen move out. It was then a matter of gently easing out the rubber seal around the rest of the frame. Help from Katie to hold one side while the final side was removed. In all, around 15 minutes of work.

Then set about putting the new seal around the windscreen. This went only simply enough, however, upon fitting the new seal to the windscreen, it appeared that the seal was too long.

We doubled checked that the windscreen was the correct size, matching perfectly with the old one. Then took the seal outside to the frame. It did appear to be too large.

Debated this on a forum, link here and was convinced to give it another go. This time, the seal seemed to fit better around the windscreen glass by leaving a little more of the excess at the four corners. The suspicion is that by having to squeeze a seemingly excessively long seal into the frame, it means that the inboard lip and centre line at the corners will be under compression but the outer lip under little stress. Fitting a shorter seal would result in the inner lip being under no stress and the outer lip being stretched and eventually splitting. This is indeed what happened to the older seal - perhaps this is how this issue has now been addressed by Land Rover.

Fitted a rope into the groove and lubed up with some silicon spray (the stuff used for fitting plastic drain pipes).

With Katie's help, we positioned the screen and started fitting. It was all pretty straight forward except for one corner which as a complete *itch. That said, once all pulled round and tapped in place, it's fitted really well. Replaced the wiper blades with new ones (2xLR079891).

Not had time to test it for leaks yet, however, really pleased with the result.