GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Minor Scratch and Abrasion Removal

  1. Remove or reduce minor scratches and abrasions by following the polishing procedure.
  2. Take precautions in order to prevent distortions of vision.
  3. Double vision may result if an attempt is made to remove deep scratches.
  4. Do not remove deep scratches from an area in the driver's line of vision. Replace the glass.

  5. The following procedure was developed using a cerium oxide compound. Follow the manufacturer's directions when any other materials are used.

Recommended Equipment

    • A low speed (600-1300 RPM) rotary polisher
    • A wool felt, rotary polishing pad 7 mm (3 in) in diameter and 51 mm (2 in) thick
    • Powered cerium oxide mixed with water
        This is the abrasive compound.
    • A wide mouth container in order to hold the abrasive compound

Polishing Procedure


    Object Number: 264840  Size: SH
  1. Mix at least 44 ml (1.5 oz) of cerium oxide with enough water in order to obtain a creamy consistency.
  2. • If the mixture is too thick the mixture will cake on the felt pad more quickly.
    • If the mixture is too runny, more polishing time will be needed.

    Object Number: 264840  Size: SH
  3. Draw a circle around the scratches on the opposite side of the glass with a marking crayon or the equivalent.
  4. Draw a line directly behind the scratches in order to serve as a guide for locating the scratch while polishing.
  5. Cover the surrounding area with masking paper in order to catch the drippings or the splattered polish.
  6. Dip the felt pad attached to the polisher into the mixture.
  7. • Do not submerge the pad.
    • Do not allow the pad to stay in the mixture as the mixture may loosen the bond between the pad and the metal plate.
  8. Polish the scratched area.
  9. When polishing the scratched area, note the following conditions:

    • Agitate the mixture as often as needed in order to maintain the creamy consistency of the compound.
    • Use moderate but steady pressure when applying the polish.
    • Hold the pad flat against the glass.
    • Use a feathering-out motion.
    • Dip the felt pad into the mixture every 15 seconds in order to ensure that the wheel and the glass are always wet during the polishing operation.
    • A dry pad causes excessive heat to develop.
    • Keep the pad free of dirt and other foreign substances.