Hardtop Siderail Weatherstrip Carrier Leak

A siderail carrier leak is a leak in which water goes between the seal and roof and spills out of the inner attachment carrier. Refer to Figure 18.

CAUTION NOTE:
Regarding Hard Top Weatherstrip Carrier Leak -

Removal of the weatherstrip breaks the factory installed sealing process. Field reinstallation processes are critical. Removal of this hardtop side roof rail weatherstrip should only be done after all other corrections have been accomplished.

1. Remove hardtop from vehicle and place on carrier or suitable work area.





2. Remove and discard siderail weatherstrips. Refer to Figure 19.





3. Remove any remaining sealant, clean flange and surrounding surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. Wipe down with clean cloth. Do not remove foam tape fitted to forward end of siderail weatherstrip flange. Refer to Figure 17.

4. Install new weatherstrips on flanges.

NOTE:
Do not apply butyl tape or remove pull tapes at this time.

5. Check sliding glass contact with weatherstrip lip and bulb as outlined in door sliding glass leak correction page.





^ Apply 0.25 in. (5 mm) diameter butyl sealer as per Figure 20, view "A", beginning at front weatherstrip screw mount of hardtop. Ensure full circle of sealer surrounds screw hole not shown.

^ Continue sealer run down siderail flange to "B" Pillar.

^ Run sealer down to base of "B" Pillar.

^ Apply second run to upper edge of "B" Pillar.

^ Apply sealer to outside base of "B" Pillar and running up the flange tip for 1 in. (25 mm).

^ Run sealer down inside rear of siderail flange area, along pillar base and 1 in. (25 mm) rearward on the hardtop base.

^ Install new seal.





^ Firmly push seal into position to ensure adhesion. Refer to Figure 25.





^ Gently heat hardtop above siderail with heat gun. Refer to Figure 21.

NOTE:
Siderail sealing is not effective unless butyl sealer is compressed between weatherstrip and metal.