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Body Flex - Windshield Crack

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Seagull6, Mar 4, 2009.

  1. Seagull6

    Seagull6 New Member

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    I have a 2006 Prius with 41K miles. About a year and a half ago I got a stone chip in the middle of the windshield which developed into a major crack requiring that I replace the windshield.

    Over the past few weeks I have noticed the car making a creaking body flex noise that reminded me of my old Corvette when I had the targa top out. I didn't pay much attention to the noise until today when driving down the highway, I head a snap and noticed that a crack had developed on the right side of the windshield starting inside the molding at the window post running about 3 inches towards the center. After about 30 minutes it was 6 inches long. There was no stone chip or even another vehicle around me.

    Does anyone know what might have casued this latest crack? Is there anything about body flex on a Prius that causes windshields to crack? Could the problem have been from an improper installation on the last windshield? :(
     
    #1 Seagull6, Mar 4, 2009
  2. Qlara

    Qlara New Member

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    Sorry to hear the windshield has cracked again....
    It's possible due to improper install, but also is because the last replacement was not a genuine Toyota WShield....which may have less tolerance level.
     
    #2 Qlara, Mar 4, 2009
  3. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    If the replacement windshield touched the body -anywhere- it can cause it to crack. This applies to any vehicle. I'd take it back to them (the company that replaced the windshield) for resolution.

    The Prius doesn't have a problem with body flex cracking windshields.

    Note that in -all- modern cars, the windshield IS part of the body and the body strength. They won't let you drive it until the adhesive has cured when they replace a windshield as it could be dangerous if you got in an accident. The vehicle wouldn't absorb the energy properly and you could suffer worse injuries.
     
    #3 David Beale, Mar 5, 2009
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