1.Causes of Water Leaks

DETACHABLE OPENINGS IN VEHICLE:

General Causes

Because of the many welded and/or detachable components and openings in the vehicle body (doors, windows, etc.), water leaks are generally a result of:

^ Misaligned, loose or improperly installed weatherstripping.

^ Misaligned doors, windows, deck lids, windshields.

^ Misaligned or damaged water dam sheets in the doors.

^ Blocked water drain passages.

^ Missing weatherstrips or sealer or inadequate sealer application leaving gaps.

^ Door speakers or radio antenna not sealed or improperly installed.

^ Missing wire harness or hose grommets in dash panel, doors, or trunk area.

^ Missing seal plugs in underbody.

^ Poor mating or welding of body and/or filler panels leaving gaps in seams.

HIGH PRESSURE CAR WASH:

SPECIAL CAUSES:

Special Causes

^ Vehicle parked or operated for extended periods in rainy weather.

^ Heavy rains and gale force winds.

^ Vehicle parked on a slope preventing water drainage from doors, cowl air intake drain, etc.

^ High pressure car wash.

^ Concentrating water stream on air intake grille, windows, doors, etc.

Special water leak causes are generally temporary in nature. However, high pressure streams of water can unseat weatherstripping and sealers on occasion; especially when the vehicle is frequently washed with high pressure equipment.

Another special cause concerns normal vehicle settling after being put into service. Within the first few miles of operation, normal loads will cause some components to settle. This could result in minor misalignment of a door, window, weatherstrip or similar component. Simple adjustments are usually all that is required.