S3 Windscreen

0B1001001

0B1001001

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Well, seems a stone impact at bottom of my screen (drivers' side) transformed into a 20+cm crack yesterday...

Question is do I go though the hassle of replacing it (I will want Audi branded glass (comfort pack - acoustic glass, rain sensor, grey sunband thingy) and will the installers damage the car) or do I live with the crack in the screen?
 
Had mine replaced and Auto Windscreens used an Audi screen as they said it was so specific with the acoustic, tint, sensors etc... that there were no pattern parts available.

It's worth asking them!
 
The crack will only get worse and then you'll end up stuck somewhere unable to drive legally. I got my windscreen replaced by autoglass and requested Audi brand glass. They had to get approval from my insurance company for the extra cost, and then wait a few days for stock so it took about a week. If you don't go down that path now and leave it, you'll either end up with non Audi glass, or have to be without a car while they get stock etc
 
Yeah - think you're right.

On phone to Autoglass at the mo - needs to be done at their centre, not on my drive apparently.
 
So they've confirmed it's acoustic glass with grey band at top (they also asked if I have lane assist in case anyone has that option, I don't) and they can get an Audi screen with logo but I'm waiting for a call back this afternoon to confirm.
 
Let us know if its AGC.or Pilkington.

Is it an AGC screen at the moment?
 
Will get a pic tomorrow - the other half has taken the S3 to work!
 
I had my screen replaced by autoglass at my work no problems
 
audi upgrades
I remember my dad telling me he had a Vauxhall Cavalier that had a windscreen replacement, then a year later the outer edges around the windscreen rusted as they must've damaged the paint around the windscreen trying to get it out.

Different times, as this is over 20 years ago. I'd definitely take it to somewhere reputable even if it's a few more £, and make sure to have a good check around the area after it's done!
 
Had confirmation I will get an Audi badged screen. It's being ordered from Audi now...
 
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So, new screen day is here (for better or worse...).

I've read something about a gel pack or some-such thing (for rain sensor I believe)! Is this something I need to insist on them replacing?
 
Think a pre-emptive call to AG is needed...
 
Apparently they always changed the gel pack. So now, all we need to hope is no bodywork is damaged :dread:
 
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When my windscreen was replaced by a mobile fitter, he was one of the good guys.

Took him over 2 hours, very careful removal of trim, scuttle, really careful initial piercing of the bonding to feed the wire, then took time while ratcheting and moving the plastic protectors around to make sure the wire didn't damage anything, then got the old bonding off in a lovely smooth action (as opposed to scraping away at it) ! Top man. Did his work carefully despite the depot loading up his PDA with more jobs !

Have you gone for one of the new Audi Prescription Windscreens?
(available in the Accessory Brochure)


 
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All done - original Audi glass in. Only problem is that there's some black adhesive now visible on passenger side... nothing can be done about that now though. Seems the nozzle they use to prepare the screen just puts a bit much on/screen wasn't perfectly aligned as he put the screen in place. I'm sure 90% of people wouldn't even notice and I'll try not to be too OCD over it :D
 
Yes AGC, same part number as I had previously.
 
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As a side note my S3 has an AGC screen and is the acoustic/sun-shade/auto wiper style.
 
I'm not sure anything could be done to sort out the slight "overspill" that happened short of taking the entire screen out and starting again.

If it bothers me too much, I'll just get an RS3 ;)
 
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You could always take a dremmel and work your way around taking out the overspill :eek::jester:
 
It's pretty damn tricky up by the passenger side pillar. I think the chances are something more serious would go wrong :D

I guess next screen I get in, I'll ensure they don't use quite so much goo!!!
 
And a nice chip in the middle of the new screen en route back from Audi... courtesy of a haulage truck.
 
O dear.

Quick get it injected with resin (if it's small enough)
 
Autoglass out Thursday to so some sort of magic. Hope it repairs OK and isn't too noticeable...

Same thing happened last time I had a new screen - got a chip almost straight away. Most unfair.
 
Seriously impressed with the repair! Chap took his time, about an hour in total to do it, and you can barely see anything.

Now, no more stones...
 
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Noticed a crack in the windscreen last night on the way to a wedding reception and woke up to this .....

Image


10 minute phone call direct to Autoglass via Admiral insurance and all booked in for Friday.....all very helpful and painless (except £75 excess) , there system already knew I had acoustic glass with sun band and rain sensor.

Just hope it does not get any worse during the week as got a 500-600 mileround trip to County Durham this week.
 
Almost identical to what I had - just get them to be frugal with the adhesive... good luck.
 
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Guy who fitted mine said that the nozzle they used was a standard pre-cut size and, for the A3, the width of adhesive that comes out is more than is ideal; IIRC he said previously they used to cut the nozzle themselves. I guess screens differ - but I'm only going on what he said, I've no idea!
 
0B1001001 said:
Guy who fitted mine said that the nozzle they used was a standard pre-cut size and, for the A3, the width of adhesive that comes out is more than is ideal; IIRC he said previously they used to cut the nozzle themselves. I guess screens differ - but I'm only going on what he said, I've no idea!
Click to expand...

The experience/opinion of one fitter cannot form the basis of advice to be given over the internets.

Pre-cut nozzles are fine; in fact, the formulation of modern polyurethane adhesives (PUR) is designed to flow easier especially given that most fitters will be using a battery operated extruder.

Other than someone being a bit overzealous in cutting their own 'V', the problem comes not in the size of the nozzle, but the way in which the adhesive is applied. PUR flow can be regulated by the speed of the (extruder) motor; the speed in which the fitter moves the extruder as he applies and, most importantly, the angle in which the nozzle makes contact with the surface. All these factors are variable and determine the height, width and shape of the PUR bead.

Shape is very important because if the angle is wrong (that is, not perpendicular to the contact surface) the bottom of the bead can create 'tunneling' when the PUR is compressed. This traps air within the bead which in turn reduces the bond contact and also increases the risk of stress fracture (to the glass) as the air will expand withing that tunneling.

I use pre-cut nozzles and rarely - hardly ever - increase the 'v' height; it is all controlled in the way the PUR is extruded.
 
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So it seems like the Autoglass provided replacement, Pilkington, might not be as "good" as the OE AGC windscreen.

This will be the second windscreen I have had on this 8V.

I've never come across splinters on the inside of the screen, @Glassman is this common from a (double) bullseye (one of them in the obsuration band) ?

Ive never seen this on OE Factory glass!



tCUG9Fu.jpg



9SGQ6SA.jpg
 
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Just had my Pilkington screen which replaced my Audi one replaced with Audi glass as the Pilkington one gave up the ghost with its first stone chip.

Was never happy with it from when it was fitted, the rain sensor never worked as well as on Audi glass, so this time, no messing about, Audi glass has been fitted.
 
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veeeight said:
So it seems like the Autoglass provided replacement, Pilkington, might not be as "good" as the OE AGC windscreen.

This will be the second windscreen I have had on this 8V.

I've never come across splinters on the inside of the screen, @Glassman is this common from a (double) bullseye (one of them in the obsuration band) ?

Ive never seen this on OE Factory glass!



tCUG9Fu.jpg



9SGQ6SA.jpg
Click to expand...

I wouldn't say common, but first and foremost, that extent of damage is consistent with a heavy impact (larger debris/rock/stone traveling at higher speed kind of heavy).

The majority of aftermarket screens are not manufactured to the same standard as the OE ones they're copied from.
 
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