Freak'n Windshields!!

[Odie]

Has anyone else encountered this problem? Okay, here goes...
Bought a windshield From Cal Sci and installed it. After I completed the install I noticed cracks in the windshield of the bottom two mounts. I remove the windshield.
I called Cal Sci and talked to Matt and told him about the issue. He asked me if I used the rubber washers that come with the original WS and I told him yes. He said that was a bad idea and to only use regular washers with the bolts and only tighten the bolts to 3 to 4 lbs. So I sent the WS back to him, said he would send me a new one, and I put the stock windshield on and crack, same thing. @%&!!!
Okay, got the new windshield from Cal Sci and took absolute painful care installing it. Just tightened down the bolts until it was 3 pounds and used LockTite. Took the SpYder for a spin and when I got back I noticed cracks in the windshield on the bottom two mounts. %#$**&@!!!!!!!
Ordered a OEM Sport Touring WindShield from BRP. Installed it using so much care that I was afraid that it wasn't even screwed all the way. I just tightened the screws using my fingers then tightened to 3 lbs. Crack!! Two bottom holes. I followed the installation instructions step by step. Now keep in mind that I owned an Electra Glide and had four different windshields for it and changed them out regularly and never, I mean never, cracked a WS. I'm so pissed and perplexed that I am starting to believe this is a conspiracy!
Has anyone else dealt with this issue or am I just special? Good Grief! I guess I just won't ride with a WS! @$&%**@($@!!!!!:cus::cus::cus::cus::cus::cus::cus::cus::helpsmilie::chill:

 

[LittleJohn]

Guess a windshield isnt all its CRACKED up to be. (Sorry, had to...LOL)

Is it possible your mount holes are "off center" or just outta spec from being in line that it causes undue stress on the shields? With it happening so many times, and you getting progressively more careful on the install, its gotta be somethin like that. Hope you get it worked out!

 

[Lamonster]

My guess is the shield is getting hung up on the outer edge of the cowling and that's why it cracks when you tighten it up. I can't tell you how many shields I've had on and off of my Spyder and I've yet to have one crack. Make sure the shield is seated in the grove right before tightening.

 

[TMehaffey]

You should never use Loc tite with Lexan/Polcarbonate it will also cause fractures do to it attacking the Lexan. Not saying this is causing your problem but it certainly may be a factor.

 

[bone crusher]

Has anyone else encountered this problem? Okay, here goes...
Bought a windshield From Cal Sci and installed it. After I completed the install I noticed cracks in the windshield of the bottom two mounts. I remove the windshield.
I called Cal Sci and talked to Matt and told him about the issue. He asked me if I used the rubber washers that come with the original WS and I told him yes. He said that was a bad idea and to only use regular washers with the bolts and only tighten the bolts to 3 to 4 lbs. So I sent the WS back to him, said he would send me a new one, and I put the stock windshield on and crack, same thing. @%&!!!
Okay, got the new windshield from Cal Sci and took absolute painful care installing it. Just tightened down the bolts until it was 3 pounds and used LockTite. Took the SpYder for a spin and when I got back I noticed cracks in the windshield on the bottom two mounts. %#$**&@!!!!!!!
Ordered a OEM Sport Touring WindShield from BRP. Installed it using so much care that I was afraid that it wasn't even screwed all the way. I just tightened the screws using my fingers then tightened to 3 lbs. Crack!! Two bottom holes. I followed the installation instructions step by step. Now keep in mind that I owned an Electra Glide and had four different windshields for it and changed them out regularly and never, I mean never, cracked a WS. I'm so pissed and perplexed that I am starting to believe this is a conspiracy!
Has anyone else dealt with this issue or am I just special? Good Grief! I guess I just won't ride with a WS! @$&%**@($@!!!!!:cus::cus::cus::cus::cus::cus::cus::cus::helpsmilie::chill:

That's really odd...never heard of that before.

I've had my windshield off and on a few times, mainly to do work behind the console. I have the BRP washers and they're fine...I'd also use a larger rubber washer to help dissipate the forces due to the tightening bolt. I wouldn't put a metal washer against the windshield, but that's just me.

One note...I have found that two of my windshield bolt holes don't line up properly...this means that once or twice the screw would go in, but not completely straight..sounds odd, but it puts uneven pressure on the shield...I caught this and took the screw out and put it in again...odd...

Anyway, make sure your screws/bolts are lined up and use, perhaps, larger rubber washers...this will help reduce the force right at the bolt hole area...

Besides that, I have no idea...this is very odd as not many others have had this problem...

 

[boborgera]

One note...I have found that two of my windshield bolt holes don't line up properly...this means that once or twice the screw would go in, but not completely straight..sounds odd, but it puts uneven pressure on the shield...I caught this and took the screw out and put it in again...odd...

:dontknow:
Also happen to me, I though i started to cross thread the screws.
I took the screws out cleaned the threads then they went right back in.

 

[Firefly]

Never had this happen to me... and for the first year of ownership I changed windshields more than my underwear......

Ultimate solution to this problem is a CHAD or MadStad setup.

 

[Some Guy]

Never had this happen to me... and for the first year of ownership I changed windshields more than my underwear......

TMI!!! :yikes:

 

[boborgera]

Never had this happen to me... and for the first year of ownership I changed windshields more than my underwear......
.

Now i know what my problem is, I never change my underwear.:yikes:
That's also why I'm very careful not to get into an accident.pps:

 

[jedd]

Now i know what my problem is, I never change my underwear.:yikes:
That's also why I'm very careful not to get into an accident.pps:

Go Commando :yikes::shemademe_smilie:

 

[Odie]

My guess is the shield is getting hung up on the outer edge of the cowling and that's why it cracks when you tighten it up. I can't tell you how many shields I've had on and off of my Spyder and I've yet to have one crack. Make sure the shield is seated in the grove right before tightening.

The windshield was overhanging before I tightened it so I did make sure that the WS was seated properly. The holes were a little off though so it flexed the unflexable WS a little. I also noticed that the bolts and washers do not seat flat against the WS when tightened down. I'm scared to buy yet another WS so I'm gonna say screw it. Or maybe I can find someone to fabricate a decorative piece to bolt on where the windshield goes.

 

[Odie]

You should never use Loc tite with Lexan/Polcarbonate it will also cause fractures do to it attacking the Lexan. Not saying this is causing your problem but it certainly may be a factor.

Loctite was used on the screw, not the windshield. Loctite would never come in contact with the WS. It just helps prevent the bolt from backing out due to vibration. I used Loctite on all my WS installs on my Electra Glide and never had a problem. Thanks though.

 

[Firefly]

The windshield was overhanging before I tightened it so I did make sure that the WS was seated properly. The holes were a little off though so it flexed the unflexable WS a little. I also noticed that the bolts and washers do not seat flat against the WS when tightened down. I'm scared to buy yet another WS so I'm gonna say screw it. Or maybe I can find someone to fabricate a decorative piece to bolt on where the windshield goes.

http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go/Home.ProductDetail/catID/25/scID/165/IMID/3768

 

[NancysToy]

Loctite was used on the screw, not the windshield. Loctite would never come in contact with the WS. It just helps prevent the bolt from backing out due to vibration. I used Loctite on all my WS installs on my Electra Glide and never had a problem. Thanks though.

The Loctite on the screws will often squeeze out when tightened, and contact the windshield, especially if rubber washers are used. You often cannot see this squeeze out, but even a tiny bit will cause the plastic to craze or crack. If you had no problems, your luck is doing well.

 

[bone crusher]

The windshield was overhanging before I tightened it so I did make sure that the WS was seated properly. The holes were a little off though so it flexed the unflexable WS a little. I also noticed that the bolts and washers do not seat flat against the WS when tightened down. I'm scared to buy yet another WS so I'm gonna say screw it. Or maybe I can find someone to fabricate a decorative piece to bolt on where the windshield goes.

How about bigger rubber washers that have a softer contact and can better distribute the tension over a bigger area...if you're getting stress fractures on the windshield, you might want to try this approach?