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Rear window frame broken...WTH? (Pics)

1

1oldsalt

Full Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2011
Messages
158
Here's a weird one. Just finished washing the beast and took out the rear window to dry and clean the inside and discovered the frame is broken. Never dropped or hit it.
It's been a couple months since removing it and certainly don't remember it being broken at that time. Weird thing is that the frame is still tight around the glass. I can't move it at all. It's like the frame just shrunk.
Has anyone ever encountered this before?

frame03.jpg


frame02.jpg


frame01.jpg
 
There are several older threads about this problem. Some members get it replaced under warranty (They have to get the whole rear window replaced) others out of warranty have tried JB Weld or similar products even silicone to fill the crack.
 
Well I'll be damned.
It seemed like such a bizarre thing to happen I didn't even bother doing a search on this obviously.
Off to the dealer first thing in the morning I guess.
Thanks Vaeagleav.
 
mine (07) is cracked too... I'm just ignoring it.  I don't get any water or air coming through and it's not under warranty.  I don't see any reason to replace it.
 
I believe that when you use the rear defrost it heats the window and it may expand it. My .02  (y)
 
I just noticed a similar problem with mine this past weekend. My problem is in the corner, major crack and separation. Frame moved so much it broke one of the solder joints for the rear defroster. No water leaks. And like you said everything seems tight.
 
Dalefan said:
I just noticed a similar problem with mine this past weekend. My problem is in the corner, major crack and separation. Frame moved so much it broke one of the solder joints for the rear defroster. No water leaks. And like you said everything seems tight.
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The same thing is happening to my truck. It's really bad at one corner. Popped the solder joints for the defroster. I see no need to do anything with it, however. I'm just glad it's a widespread problem.
 
Had the same problem with the corner crack on my 06.  J-B welded it, held up for a few months and the weld is now cracked.  Guess I will just fill the crack in with some black silicone.  Don't plan on replacing unless I get a leak!
 
I got mine replaced under warranty. Truck is only 6mos old. I understand Safelite has them for 1/2 the dealer price.
 
1oldsalt said:
I got mine replaced under warranty. Truck is only 6mos old. I understand Safelite has them for 1/2 the dealer price.
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1oldsalt...did the dealer offer up any explanation for this problem?  I live in southern Alberta where we get extreme temperature swings.  This has me wondering if this is in store for me.  :eek:
 
CowboyLogic said:
1oldsalt...did the dealer offer up any explanation for this problem?  I live in southern Alberta where we get extreme temperature swings.  This has me wondering if this is in store for me.   :eek:
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No. No explanation. But the local dealership (didn't buy mine from them) here are real pricks. They were pushing me to make an appointment to "install" the window. They said they can't just hand it to me and that a "technician" has to install it. I showed up unannounced to pick it up. I raised a bit of hell and grabbed one of the 'technicians' to bring it out to my truck. I put it in and the guy says "Oh, that's how it go's?"  :E:

I understand it has been an ongoing problem since the beginning of the Avalanche. Also, I think it's a hit and miss thing. Some people never have a problem.

A search on this site will bring up a lot of info.
 
1oldsalt said:
No. No explanation. But the local dealership (didn't buy mine from them) here are real pricks. They were pushing me to make an appointment to "install" the window. They said they can't just hand it to me and that a "technician" has to install it. I showed up unannounced to pick it up. I raised a bit of hell and grabbed one of the 'technicians' to bring it out to my truck. I put it in and the guy says "Oh, that's how it go's?"   :E:

I understand it has been an ongoing problem since the beginning of the Avalanche. Also, I think it's a hit and miss thing. Some people never have a problem.

A search on this site will bring up a lot of info.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply 1oldsalt... I was just curious if you had any explanation as to the cause.  Ongoing is key here.  From what I have read, this problem spans many years.  Your experience at the dealer would be frustrating.  Reminds me of the hospital when they insist on rolling the patient out the exit with a wheelchair after treating them for a headache.  :D
 
yeah, i never had a prob till i left mine on the top of the bed covers  last summer. i had been driving with it in the back seat and took it out to get to some stuff there. was on a trip out of town. well i forgot to put it back and drove off. it wasnt till i heard the smash of it hitting the ground than did the palm to forehead . lol
anyway to the point, the dealers wanted close to $1000 for a replacement. i got a gm stamped one from a auto glass place for $200 out the door.
keep in mind thats Canadian. will be cheaper i assume south of the boarder


Dan
 
nghtrdr said:
yeah, i never had a prob till i left mine on the top of the bed covers  last summer. i had been driving with it in the back seat and took it out to get to some stuff there. was on a trip out of town. well i forgot to put it back and drove off. it wasnt till i heard the smash of it hitting the ground than did the palm to forehead . lol
anyway to the point, the dealers wanted close to $1000 for a replacement. i got a gm stamped one from a auto glass place for $200 out the door.
keep in mind thats Canadian. will be cheaper i assume south of the boarder


Dan
Click to expand...

Dan, $200.00 would be a great price.  Was that glass only or frame included??  Good to know info.
 
CowboyLogic said:
Thanks for the reply 1oldsalt... I was just curious if you had any explanation as to the cause.  Ongoing is key here.  From what I have read, this problem spans many years.  Your experience at the dealer would be frustrating.  Reminds me of the hospital when they insist on rolling the patient out the exit with a wheelchair after treating them for a headache.  :D
Click to expand...

I don't know what the cause is Cowboy. Mine split right in the middle at the arrow. Some people have them split in the corners. After the split you could not push in on the frame to close the gap and the rest of the frame was not loose. It's like the plastic just shrinks.
You'd think that over the years they would have cured the problem. But, that's why the manufacturers are in the poor state they are in.
 
2005 Avalanche and mine began chunking pieces a few years ago. I would have to say, mine was probably cracked from using the rear window defroster. Even the solder had "blown" itself off on one side. Whenever I used the touchless car wash, I'd turn on the rear window defroster to get rid of the water, so I could see.

I've got a replacement window now, but I'll never use the rear window defroster again.
 
i doubt its the rear defog that causes this.
mine was original till i dropped it last summer and it didnt have a scratch on it. i use my rear defog all the time. especially now that its winter. i use to park in a heated underground garage  and the windows would fog everytime i would go in this time of year. believe me the rear defog got a good workout.


Dan

 
Yep, similar thing happened on my 08 a few months ago.  Mine snapped apart on one of the sides closer to the top.  I don't think I've used the rear defroster too many times. 
 
Wish i would have read this prior to my Warranty expiring. 

2011 AV LT - 54,000 Miles -Crack appeared at the bottom Center like most have seen - I Actually thought it was part of the design.
  A couple weeks ago - I heard a loud "Pop" while driving - wasn't sure where it cam from -
Opening the rear driver side door this morning - noticed a larger separation in the window trim along the side this time.

Spoke with my local Chevy Dealership / Services center. (Fort Lauderdale, Florida  - AutoNation dealer on US1) 
They acted like it was the first time anyone came to them with this issue - Very Short
Since my general Warranty expired due to the mileage.  I would have to purchase a new window unit from them:
      CHEVY COST:  $900.60  (Replacement - With No warranty)  NOT ABOUT TO PAY THEM THAT AMOUNT!!!!

Spoke with SAFELITE Rep. 
I have to say I was very impressed by their rep's - understood the issue was very helpful.
      SafeLite Cost: $497.00  (Replacement - Life Time Warranty)

Those of you Still experiencing this issue.  Don't pay CHEVY For the replacement part !
Please give your business to "SafeLite"  Good company's deserve your business.

I"m not saying CHEVY is bad.. I've only ever owned chevy's- However, they need to learn and understand that you sell a product - you should be responsible for it's defects.
 
mine was cracked when i bought it in both corners.... i was going to live with it then my buddy totaled his av (no cracks in the back window frame) so his truck left with my back window ... cost was $12 to replace my custom cut window decal  >:D
 
I never posted before because I thought mine was a freak occurance. Mine occurred on the vertical portion on the passenger side. Just replaced it on my '13 under warranty and the rear heated grid has never been used. Never happened on the '07 or '12 which were parked in the same spots facing the afternoon sun.
 
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