Volkswagen Golf mk4 cowl removal and install

[@archieprovan7859]

Great video, the one thing I'll add is it's not the best practice to be bashing on the stud when removing the wipers, because it could damage the threads. Toss the nut back on loosely and strike the top. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@Corysdiyauto]

You're right, bashing is not a good idea. I don't think I was bashing on the stud, but yes, the nut will protect the stud while tapping with a hammer.

[@JedidiahBertram]

Why would anyone thumbs down this? Thank you sir for this video it was very helpful.

[@Corysdiyauto]

Jedidiah Bertram - Thank you! I appreciate it.

[@CLLUK]

Thanks. I did this (to replace the wiper motor) and replaced the cowl with difficulty (didn't use any sharp objects/tool etc) and careful not to bang the screen. Got it back in (happy) and the next day found a long crack ( ~ 8cm) on the corner of the windscreen. Guess I was just unlucky... so caution!

[@Corysdiyauto]

Thanks for sharing!

[@DANNYxBOY9089]

Nicely done! Appreciate the different angles.

[@Corysdiyauto]

Thank you!

[@elias.demora]

Thank you for this tutorial. I've installed mine in a gold mk4 and the plastic is not well sealed with the cristal, should I use some silicone or glue? Sorry for the rookie question 😅 Thanks

[@Corysdiyauto]

No silicone or glue is needed. No need to apologize bud. We are all here to try and help each other out.

[@michelrull]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gojCd6CZn7qAgpI

[@Maty12345.]

Me pasó lo mismo, te entra agua o se filtra agua ?

[@lisadenzer4646]

Thanks for sharing this. Mine feels really stuck but I'll keep on trying with some gentle movements.

[@Corysdiyauto]

Lisa - Sometimes it takes some patience!

[@kencon74]

Hi Cory, Quick question, is there any seal or interlock or engagement on the top side of the cowl that prevents water from going under? I'm helping my son with his mk4 and seems like it could just dump the water into the cabin filter the way it is. Thanks.

[@Corysdiyauto]

Ken Convery - There's not any seal that prevents water from getting in that area. The plastic cabin filter access cover is what deflects the water from getting into the filter. It's important to always check this area and make sure there isn't any debris such as leaves, dirt, pine needles, etc. laying around. This can cause some water issues in the cabin if not tended to. There are drain holes in each corner near the fenders that the water is meant to drain through. Just keep the area clean and you should be fine. Thanks for watching!

[@NeuroPulse]

My Cowl is super stuck on. I can force with my entire body weight and the top edge doesn't budge. I had my windshield replaced a while back. Do you think they used some sealant along the cowl? How does water not get in there without sealant?

[@Corysdiyauto]

They probably used a sealant. Do you see any type of silicone at the base of the windshield? It shouldn't be sealed in place. The cowl is meant to be removed to gain access to the wiper linkage and motor if needed.

[@NeuroPulse]

Dang. There wasn't any sealant but it was super firm, filled up with grit, and the plastic is pretty old and brittle. I didn't realize it's a tab that pulls straight out along the top edge, I thought it comes down toward the engine. So I broke it in half trying to get it off. Now that I can see the attachment mechanism the other half is coming off properly but it's very firm. I'm just taking it off to get at the glow plug relay. There goes $180.

[@Corysdiyauto]

@@NeuroPulse - Geez, that's too bad that it broke on you. I hate when that happens. These cars are getting up there in age unfortunately. Make sure to clean up the cowl area before you put everything back together. Debris can get in there and cause water problems. Hopefully you can fix your glow plug issue.

[@h82fail]

@@NeuroPulse Glad you shared your story, prompted me to look it up further before attempting. The OP video here shows it being completely free after removing the wipers and only shows that the ends were broke - the tab along the entire thing must have also been broken. I think the only right way is to carefully pry it up with plastic trim tool (from the glass side). Pry directly away from glass (tab-slot is perpendicular or 90degrees from the window plane along almost the full length of the cowl. Better video i found 8FsLXga6Qj4

[@murraydupley9330]

mine seems to be stuck to the bottom of windows. stealing from jetta to put on golf.

[@adot1263]

Hey dude, good video. The issue I've got with my cowl is that it doesn't sit in the grooves flush. I have gaps all the way across as the cowl just pulls away from the groove it sits in.

[@Corysdiyauto]

A Dot - Thanks. Do you have gaps between the glass and the cowl? Make sure that the groove is clean that the cowl sits in. Mine doesn't sit perfectly flush against the glass either. I just think it's a bad design actually.

[@flyingscot3666]

@@Corysdiyauto thx for your video and comments - I just fitted a new cowl on my passat B5.5 (2001) - there is a small gap between the glass and the cowl (just on one side this should not affect the seal in the fitting groove (it should still seal) but we shall see......

[@Corysdiyauto]

@@flyingscot3666 - Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment.

[@michelrull]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gojCd6CZn7qAgpI

[@andrewmeadors936]

Why didn't you show us how difficult it is to break-loose the old cowl? That's why the end was broken. Also, why didn't you at least clean the bottom of the windshield before install the new nice and clean cowl?

[@Corysdiyauto]

The end was broken due to the windshield installer being careless. I had a new windshield installed previously and the guy broke it. I could've cleaned the windshield up before the install, but I didn't. Sorry man.

[@mailjabber]

So I replaced my cowl today with one from FCP Euro. It came with the passenger side tip broken 1 " from the end. At first it seated nicely but I couldn't for the life of me get the tray in, upon lifting up (like you did) the cowl popped out. I finished the tray assembly and tried to reseat the cowl with the tray screwed in, with no success. It is a replacement windshield and IDK, but, it won't seat properly or as easily as it did in you video. I am thinking to order another from FCP and hope it's not busted this time and send this one back to them. IDK. Any ideas?

[@Corysdiyauto]

I would contact them and tell them that the cowl was broken when you received it. They shouldn't give you any problems and send you another one. Good luck with it!

[@mailjabber]

Great Video. Thanks!

[@Corysdiyauto]

Thank you!

[@ElJarriUSB]

My cowl is stick as hell🥴

[@telosfd]

Helpful thanks!

[@SUB-Entertainment]

Tou could have painted it just like i did

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

I don't want Mexican parts on my German/Polish made Volkswagen Caddy.

[@whipit2404]

Lookup "windshield wiper puller" tool for removing the windshield wipers. Don't force it with inappropriate tools like a flathead screwdriver or crowbar.

[@Corysdiyauto]

Great tip. Thanks for sharing.