Doors

Figure 5:

When water testing the doors, ask an assistant to sit in the vehicle and watch for water coming in, as you work the hose around the gap at the door edge on the outside.

Start your check at the lower edge of the door, (See Figure 5) and then move upwards. If you begin at the top, the runoff will wet the untested area and can make a leak difficult to find.
If the weatherstrip doesn't seal properly, it's easy to see where the water comes in at the door edge.

Mark the leak points with chalk or tape, so you can find them when the door is open.

Where the water test shows low spots at body joints or other places around the door opening, you may have to build up these low points. Level any low spot with plastic solder and repaint the repaired area, or shim the weatherstrip with a vinyl foam strip to obtain a seal.

Since there may be more than one leak, correct any leaks you find in lower areas before you test higher.

If the water test shows the weatherstrip is sealing okay, run water along the side window lower weatherstrip, and check the inside trim panels for dampness, especially at the bottom. This water normally runs out the door and body drains.

Figure 6:

The inside trim panel can be soaked if the watershield under the trim panel is torn, missing, or not properly installed.

If a watershield (plastic sheet) is removed for any reason (Figure 6), its edges should be resecured to the metal door or body panel in its original location.

Figure 7:

The door glass must be in good contact with the upper weatherstrip. The upper edge of glass should not be visible with the window closed.

Cut flexible strips of paper about two inches wide and place them between the weatherstrip and glass in several places (Figure 7). If the paper pulls out easily, you have found a possible leak point.

Figure 8:

Start the water test at the bottom of the glass. Direct the water across the bottom, up and then across the top slowly, until leakage occurs (Figure 8). This will pinpoint the leaking area. If leakage is between glass and weatherstrip, the glass needs adjustment. If leakage occurs over the weatherstrip or retainer, remove weatherstrip and check torque on screws in the retainer. If found to be loose, tighten them, and replace weatherstrip.

After correcting the problem perform the water test again. If leakage still occurs, remove the weatherstrip. Check the sealing surfaces for distortion and splits. Then check roof rail for open holes or distortion. Use an appropriate type of sealer to seal holes. Reinstall the weatherstrip making sure it seals the door glass completely.