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Front Door and Windshield Molding - Wind Noise

File In Section: 10 - Body

Bulletin No.: 66-15-11

Date: February, 1997

Subject:
Front Door and Windshield Molding Wind Noise (Adjust Doors, Seal Door
Openings and Secure Windshield Molding)

Models:
1996-97 Chevrolet and GMC G Vans (Plant VIN Code 1)

Condition

Some owners may comment about excessive wind noise from the front doors.

Cause

Marginal sealing around the front doors, windows and door mirror openings. The position of the windshield weatherstrip top outer molding may also affect this concern.

Correction

Take the customer for a test ride to verify the condition and identify the wind noise leak paths. Applying masking tape over a suspected leak path area during the road test may help isolate the leak source. Based on the results of the test ride, correct as required following the service procedure. Not all locations identified in the service procedure may require correction. After completing the required service procedures, and prior to delivering the van back to the customer, road test to verify the customer's concerns have been corrected.

Important:
If the van is equipped with after market equipment such as a Bug Deflector and/or Window Shades, the customer should have them removed prior to performing a road test.

Service Procedure

The following areas are listed in their relative order of probable noise severity.





1. The Front Doors may be outboard of the weatherstrip seal and "B" pillar on the upper rear edge of the door (Figure 1). Open the door and, with the window rolled all the way up, carefully bend (finesse) the upper rear edge inboard until the corner edge of the door is flush with "B" pillar outer sheet metal. To verify proper seating of the door seal, take a piece of paper folded in half, put it next to the door seal and then shut the door on it. The paper should be snug.

Notice:
When gently bending the door, DO NOT apply pressure against the inner door sheet metal, because it could be deformed. If an anchor point for balance or pressure is needed, use the inner door armrest.





2. Windshield weatherstrip top outer molding (Figure # 2). Approximately 483 mm (19 inches) inboard from the top corners of the windshield, the weatherstrip seal molding may not be secured and properly aligned next to the body sheet metal. To correct this condition, obtain locally or from Kem Krest (1-800-955-8591), Permatex Auto Glass Sealer, P/N DWS 37 or equivalent. Following the directions on the package, sparingly apply a fine bead between the weatherstrip molding and the body sheet metal. Be sure the sealer is smooth and evenly distributed along the entire molding.

Important:
This product flows into gaps best at or above normal room temperature. Clean off any excess sealer following package directions.

Important:
Do not use any sealer containing silicone on the windshield weatherstrip molding.





3. Inner Door/Window Belt-line Seal (Figure # 3). Take a piece of paper folded in half and try to insert it under the inner door belt-line seal at the bottom of the window. If the paper slides in easily, the inner door sheet metal needs to be gently pushed inward towards the window. Roll the window down. Remove the inner door trim panel, if so equipped. Remove the door inner belt-line seal. Gently press on the inner door sheet metal so that it moves into the window opening. Reinstall the door belt-line seal, roll the window up, and recheck the gap using the piece of folded paper. Reinstall the inner door trim panel.

Notice:
When pressing against the inner sheet metal, be careful not to push directly against the outer sheet metal because it could be deformed.





4. Mirror Head Opening (Figure # 4). On the inside of the driver's and passengers' doors, (under trim panels) locate the mirror wiring access hole and fill it with RTV Silicone Sealer, P/N 12346286 or equivalent following the package instructions. Clean away any excess. Reinstall trim panel.





5. Outer Door/Window Belt-line Seal (Figure # 5). Locate openings on the forward and rear portion of the outer door/window belt-line seal. Sparingly apply RTV Silicone Sealer, P/N 12346286 or equivalent to close off both openings following the package instructions. Clean away any excess.

Part Information

P/N Description Qty
12346286 RTV Silicone Sealer 1 Tube

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.


Warranty Information





For vehicles repaired under warranty, use as shown.