APDTY 112508 is a complete rear hatch upper glass hinge set designed for 2008-2012 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs. This kit includes both left and right hinges that mount the flip-up rear window to the liftgate, replacing OE Ford part numbers 8L8Z-78420A68-C and 8L8Z-78420A68-D. Corroded or broken hinges make the rear glass difficult or dangerous to open—this direct replacement restores safe, smooth operation of your rear hatch window.
Key Takeaways
- Includes both left and right rear glass hinges in one set for complete replacement
- Fits 2008-2012 Ford Escape and 2008-2012 Mercury Mariner models
- Replaces OE Ford part numbers 8L8Z-78420A68-C and 8L8Z-78420A68-D
- Left and right hinges are side-specific and cannot be interchanged—installing the wrong side can cause damage
- Corroded hinges rust and fade over time, leading to difficult operation or complete hinge failure
Buy APDTY 112508 directly from APDTY
What Does the Rear Hatch Glass Hinge Do?
The rear hatch glass hinges connect the flip-up rear window to the main liftgate shell on your Ford Escape or Mercury Mariner. When you unlock and lift the rear glass, these hinges pivot to allow the window to swing open independently from the full liftgate. Each hinge bears the weight of the glass and withstands constant exposure to weather, road salt, and temperature swings.
Over time, the original hinges fade, rust, and corrode—especially in climates with winter road salt or high humidity. Once corrosion starts, the metal weakens and can eventually crack or break, making the rear glass hard to open or leaving it unsupported and unsafe.
What Are the Symptoms of Failing Rear Glass Hinges?
Watch for these signs that your rear hatch glass hinges need replacement:
- Visible rust or corrosion: Orange or white oxidation on the hinge arms or mounting points
- Flaking paint or faded finish: The protective coating has worn away, exposing bare metal
- Difficulty opening the rear glass: Hinges bind, creak, or require extra force to lift
- Sagging or misaligned glass: The window no longer sits flush when closed, or gaps appear around the seal
- Cracked or broken hinge arms: Visible fractures in the metal, or one side of the glass droops
If you see any corrosion at all, inspect the hinges closely and plan to replace them soon. Corroded hinges only get worse and can fail suddenly, leaving the glass unsupported and creating a safety hazard.
Which Vehicles Does APDTY 112508 Fit?
According to verified product data, APDTY 112508 is compatible with the following vehicles:
| Make | Model | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | Escape | 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
| Mercury | Mariner | 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
This hinge set covers all 2008-2012 Escape and Mariner models equipped with the flip-up rear glass feature. If your vehicle has a one-piece liftgate with no separate flip-up glass, this part does not apply. Always verify fitment using the live compatibility chart on the product page before ordering.
What Do You Get in the APDTY 112508 Kit?
The APDTY 112508 kit includes:
- Left rear glass hinge
- Right rear glass hinge
Critical Installation Note: The left and right hinges are not interchangeable. Each hinge is designed for a specific side, and installing the wrong hinge on the wrong side will cause improper alignment and can damage the hinge, the glass, or the liftgate. Always identify the driver side (left) and passenger side (right) before removing the old hinges, and install the corresponding new hinge on each side.
How to Replace Rear Hatch Glass Hinges (General Overview)
Replacing rear glass hinges is a straightforward mechanical job, but take care to support the glass and identify each side correctly:
- Support the rear glass: Have a helper hold the window open, or use a padded prop to keep it from falling when you remove the old hinges.
- Open the rear glass fully to access the hinge bolts on both the glass and liftgate.
- Remove the old hinges: Unbolt each hinge from the glass and the liftgate frame. Note which hinge came from which side.
- Identify left and right: Confirm which new hinge is left (driver side) and which is right (passenger side). Do not guess—check the product packaging or compare the hinge shape to the originals.
- Install the new hinges: Bolt the correct left hinge to the left side and the right hinge to the right side, using the same mounting points.
- Test operation: Open and close the glass several times to ensure smooth movement and proper alignment.
If you're not confident in your ability to support the glass safely or identify the correct hinge sides, have a professional shop perform the installation.
Why Do Rear Glass Hinges Corrode and Fail?
The rear glass hinges sit at the top of the liftgate, directly exposed to rain, snow, road spray, and salt. The original hinges are steel with a painted or coated finish. Over years of use, the protective finish chips, wears, or fades—especially around the pivot points where the hinge flexes. Once bare metal is exposed, rust forms quickly, and corrosion spreads beneath the remaining paint.
As corrosion advances, the hinge arms weaken and can crack or break. Even partial corrosion causes binding and makes the glass hard to lift. In salt-belt climates, hinge corrosion is almost guaranteed after 10-15 years. Replacing corroded hinges before they break prevents a sudden failure that could damage the glass or injure someone.
Frequently asked questions
Does APDTY 112508 include both left and right hinges?
Yes, the kit includes both the left (driver side) and right (passenger side) rear glass hinges. You get a complete set for full replacement.
Can I swap the left and right hinges if one side is worse?
No. The left and right hinges are side-specific and cannot be interchanged. Installing the wrong hinge on the wrong side will cause misalignment and can damage your liftgate or glass. Always install the left hinge on the driver side and the right hinge on the passenger side.
What are the OE Ford part numbers this replaces?
APDTY 112508 replaces Ford part numbers 8L8Z-78420A68-C and 8L8Z-78420A68-D. These are the original equipment hinges for 2008-2012 Escape and Mariner rear glass.
Should I replace the hinges if they only have light surface rust?
Yes. Once corrosion starts, it only gets worse. Light rust today becomes deep pitting and cracks tomorrow. Replace the hinges at the first sign of corrosion to avoid a sudden failure and potential safety hazard.
Corroded rear glass hinges are more than a cosmetic problem—they're a safety risk. APDTY 112508 provides a complete left-and-right hinge set for 2008-2012 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner models, replacing OE Ford part numbers 8L8Z-78420A68-C and 8L8Z-78420A68-D. Restore safe, smooth operation of your rear hatch window before a weakened hinge fails. Remember: the left and right hinges are not interchangeable, so identify each side carefully during installation. Check the live compatibility chart on the product page to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle, and order your replacement hinge set today.