1998-2002 Daewoo Lanos Rear Door Glass: A Guide to Sedan-Specific Fitment

The Single Most Important Check: 4-Door Sedan vs. 3-Door Hatchback

Symptoms of a Failed Rear Door Glass

Failure of a door glass is almost always obvious and related to physical damage. There are no complex electrical or mechanical symptoms to diagnose.

• Visible Damage: This is the most common symptom. Look for cracks, from a small line to a large 'spiderweb' pattern. The glass may also be completely shattered or missing entirely due to impact or theft.
• Wind Noise or Water Leaks: If the glass is not broken but you hear excessive wind noise or find water inside the door or on the interior panel, the glass may have come loose from its track or the door seals may have failed. While not a glass failure itself, it requires removing the glass to inspect and repair the related components.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs for 1998-2002 Daewoo Lanos

There are no known recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the manufacturer specifically for the rear door glass on the 1998-2002 Daewoo Lanos. The primary "issue" reported by owners and parts suppliers is the confusion between sedan and hatchback body styles.

While not related to the glass itself, several safety recalls were issued for this vehicle. It's wise to be aware of them:

• Camshaft Position Sensor: A recall was issued for a faulty camshaft position sensor that could melt, creating a burning smell and potentially causing the engine to stall.
• Airbag Mounting Brackets: Some models were recalled to install new energy-absorbing airbag mounting brackets to comply with safety standards.
• Wiring Harness: A recall addressed a wiring harness under the front passenger carpet that could become damaged and cause the engine to stall.
• Alloy Wheels: An issue with wheel bolts loosening on certain alloy wheels prompted a recall.

Buying a Used Rear Door Glass: What to Check

For a vehicle like the Daewoo Lanos, a used OEM door glass is an excellent, cost-effective choice. New OEM glass is often discontinued, and a used original part guarantees a perfect fit and matching tint, unlike some aftermarket options. Here’s what to inspect before you buy.

1. Confirm Body Style and Side

This is the most critical step. Ensure the glass is from a 4-door sedan. Also, confirm which side you need; the left (driver's side) and right (passenger's side) rear door glasses are not interchangeable.

2. Inspect for Scratches and Pitting

Run your hand and eyes over the entire surface of the glass. Look for:

• Deep Scratches: Light surface scratches are common, but deep scratches that you can catch a fingernail on will be visible and can't be polished out.
• Pitting or Chips: Check the edges carefully for any small chips or nicks. A chip near the edge can sometimes develop into a crack later on due to stress and temperature changes.

3. Check the Tint

Most factory glass has a very slight, standard tint. Hold the glass up to the light and compare it to your vehicle's other windows if possible. While most Lanos models had a standard tint, ensuring a close match will maintain the car's original appearance.

4. Examine Mounting Points

The glass attaches to the window regulator with bolts or clips. Inspect the holes in the glass and any attached mounting hardware. Ensure there are no cracks originating from the mounting holes, as this is a major stress point.

Replacement Overview & Difficulty

Replacing the rear door glass is a manageable DIY project for someone with basic tools and patience. The process generally takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

Installation Difficulty: 2 out of 5

Tools Required:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• 10mm socket and ratchet
• Door panel removal tool (or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in tape)
• Gloves and safety glasses

General Steps:

1. Remove the Interior Door Panel: This typically involves removing a few screws (often hidden in the door handle and armrest) and then carefully prying the panel off the door frame. A panel removal tool is highly recommended to avoid breaking the old plastic clips.
2. Peel Back the Weather Barrier: Carefully peel back the plastic sheet that protects the inside of the door from moisture.
3. Access the Glass: Lower or raise the window regulator mechanism until you can see the bolts that attach the glass to the regulator through the access holes in the door's metal frame.
4. Unbolt the Old Glass: Loosen the two 10mm bolts holding the glass to the regulator. If the glass is shattered, you will need to thoroughly vacuum all debris from inside the door.
5. Remove the Glass: Carefully tilt and lift the glass out of the top of the door frame. You may need to loosen a vertical guide channel to get enough clearance.
6. Install the New Glass: Carefully lower the new glass into the door, attach it to the regulator, and tighten the bolts.
7. Test and Reassemble: Before putting the door panel back on, test the window's movement up and down to ensure it operates smoothly. Then, re-apply the weather barrier and clip the door panel back into place.

Cost of Replacement: 1998-2002 Daewoo Lanos Rear Door Glass

OEM Part Numbers

These are known OEM part numbers for the 1998-2002 Daewoo Lanos rear door glass. Note that left and right sides are different. Always confirm fitment with the seller using your vehicle's information.

• 96232306
• 96232357
• 96304142
• 96304144

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)