A. Water Entry at A-Pillar
Leakage in area of the A-pillar can be recognized by a moist edge protector, by moist carpeting, or by water exiting at the sheet metal flange (Figure 1, edge protector removed).
^ Leaky or damaged weatherstrip in area of pocket pointing toward A-pillar (1, Figure 2).
^ Leakage at plug for fastening molding to top of A-pillar (2, Figure 2).
^ Drain hole in molding clogged (arrow, Figure 3).
^ Leakage at A-pillar molding (Figure 4).
NOTE!
Remove molding above windshield only if water exits at the sheet metal flange following a water leak test (edge protector removed, see arrows at top in Figure 1). Water entering the A-pillar at the plug exits at the sheet metal flange.
Repair Procedure
NOTE!
As of February 1993 production, a lubricant coating is applied at the top of the weatherstrip, part number 124 720 00 54. This type weatherstrip is identified by the number "14" (white paint) at the left or right inside near the A-pillar.
Always replace weatherstrips identified with code numbers up to "13" (arrow, Figure 5).
Prior to installing, check drain openings at end section of the weatherstrip (arrows, Figure 6).
1. Remove edge protector from A-pillar.
2. Remove screw in A-pillar, and remove weatherstrip completely (Figure 7).
3. Remove molding above windshield. To do so, first remove water deflector at A-pillar and covers above the catches. Remove screws at left and right end of cover (A-pillar) above windshield. Lift cover slightly at front edge and remove molding above windshield.
4. Replace plug (A, Figure 8), part number 123 690 00 18.
NOTE!
If opening for plug (A, Figure 8)is too large, install plug (B), part number 124 988 00 25 instead.
5. Replace self-adhesive sealing Strip, part number 001 987 70 46, on molding. Glue extending ends together (see Figure 9 for installation position).
NOTE!
Glue self-adhesive sealing strip to molding alongside mounting holes.
6. Reinstall molding.
7. Fasten cover above windshield, install water deflector and cover on catches.
8. Install peel-off type sealing cord, part number 140 989 00 98, at the end of A-pillar molding (Figure 10).
9. Apply sealing cord, part number 140 989 00 98, below extending end of sealing strip. Press sealing strip down lightly (see Figure 11 for installation position).
NOTE!
Apply enough sealing cord below sealing strip, so that it continues to run at height of molding.
10. Seal the sealing Strip with sealing cord, part number 140 989 00 98, from behind the drain hole toward molding (Figure 12).
NOTE!
Apply sealing cord up to height of sealing strip.
11. Round off sharp edges of rail end (Figure 13).
12. Apply a thin coat of MB-lubricant paste, part number 001 989 1451. to pocket (1, Figure 14)
NOTE!
When installing the weatherstrip, it is easier to insert the pocket into the end of the rail.
13. Install weatherstrip on A-pillar (Figure 15).
14. Install pocket (1, Figure 16) in end of rail.
Install weatherstrip downward in rail.
NOTE!
Install weatherstrip on A.pillar first on left and right side.
15. Install weatherstrip in molding above windshield.
NOTE!
Do not apply rubber installation fluid to molding since this could result in the sealing Strip coming off. When installing the weatherstrip, ensure that the sealing Strip is not moved from its position. The end of the weatherstrip must be completely seated in the rail.
16. Install screw (Figure 17).
17. Press on edge protector, except approx. the last 100 mm (Figure 18).
18. Close soft top.
19. Check transition points of weatherstrip joints (Figure 19).
NOTE!
The end section of the weatherstrip can be corrected slightly if it does not fit properly (lateral offset). To do so, remove screw, align weatherstrip, drill new 2.8 mm diameter hole for retainer, and reinstall screw (Figure 20).
20. Check contact pressure of weatherstrips with 0.15 mm feeler gauge (Figure 21).
NOTE!
You should be able to just pull the feeler gauge through the gap.
21. Perform water leak test.
22. Complete edge protector installation.
Parts Information