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Hardtop water leaks

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Old Nov 2, 2011 | 05:58 AM
  #31  
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I had a minor leak by the front junction of the windshield and the two front panels.
I took them off, added "Camper foam tape" anywhere where the top had the foamy seals, reinstalled and no leaks/
this was on my 09.

I have also use the camper tape when my soft top leakes to the door handles. I placed tape on the door sorround. I replace the tape every year.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 02:23 PM
  #32  
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I took mine to the local dealer (I have a 2009 JK with a used top from a 2007) and they said they had a guy who comes in and fixes leaks, so I had him do it and it fixed the leak that was coming from the front dead center of both freedom tops. The leak stopped for a few months ($300 later) then after a while started again. I have since had the exterior and interior professional sprayed with bed liner but they did not spray the seams with hope that it would not cause leaks again. Well it is leaking again and am looking for advice for a leak in the center of the tops which leaks right onto the shifters in the center. I assume its the header seal. I used black silicone at the front edge of the gutter to stop the water from draining right into the Jeep seems to work well.

Thanks to all who share my frustrations
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 03:15 PM
  #33  
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Default Hardtop leaks

Had it in last week for another day and a half. they finally replaced the gasket on the hardtop. The tech who handles the work knows what he is doing because he handles about ten leak problems on average a week. Now just waiting for rain! PS he says the 12s are the worse for leaks. Also, no Mustang for me. The A-hole dealers think they are hot and will not discount it enough.
Originally Posted by mjones
My 07 JKU leaked till i replaced the weather stripping and found better silicone stripping than the factory foam. Its held since I replaced it. As for my soft top JK, YJ and TJ all of them leaked. But through the seams, tent seam sealer helped there. Leaks, they are a way of life if you accept them and stay after them. I have found Jeep/Chrysler to be poor when it comes to leaks. My mother just traded her Sebring in because after 7 attempts on 2 different cars (1 Lemon replacement for the 1st) they couldnt find the leak even when i showed it to them. I love my Jeeps and I have a tolerance to the issues. To the original OP, stick to your guns call Chrysler service not your dealer tell them what you are dealing with, I have found more luck that way than dealing with the stealership. My suggestion Jeep in the garage and Mustang outside.. Horses like fresh air.. Owned plenty of both.. Either way cant go wrong, just dont give up if you dont want too..
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 06:29 PM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by saharaharry
Had it in last week for another day and a half. they finally replaced the gasket on the hardtop. The tech who handles the work knows what he is doing because he handles about ten leak problems on average a week. Now just waiting for rain! PS he says the 12s are the worse for leaks. Also, no Mustang for me. The A-hole dealers think they are hot and will not discount it enough.
Wishing you good luck, sucks about the other dealership.. I haven't found one I truly like. I just get lucky sometimes. Hopefully it works out for you. The jeeps are a blast. Mustangs as well, but limited to road and weather.. LOL sucks the jeep cant get wet.. I hope they fixed it for you.. If not reach out to chrysler service and let them know what you are dealing with. No matter how many times you hear Its a jeep accept it.. you should never accept it, it shouldn't leak. Good Luck
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Old Nov 8, 2011 | 06:17 PM
  #35  
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An update on my situation -

My jeep now has a new header seal, both new door seals, and a new hard top seal between the main portion of the hard top and the two freedom top panels. The good news is these seals have been significantly updated from their original design Jeep used in 2009. But unfortunately the dealer did a crappy job, and I wound up having to partially reinstall both door seals because they weren't all the way in the channels. Additionally, the driver's door was CRUSHING the new seal because the tech never readjusted the striker after installing these new updated seals, so I readjusted that. And lastly, the hard top seal was basically flapping around, as the tech didn't get that properly stuck down either and ruined the self-adhesive in the process of attempting to install it. So I had to glue down approximately 2.5 feet of the seal with a flexible seam sealing weatherstrip adhesive.

I water tested the top and seals, and it doesn't appear to have any leaks at this point. I'm disappointed that I had to clean up after a warranty repair, which I shouldn't have to do. But I'm happy with the prospect that it might actually be fixed this time. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, though I don't know if we'll get enough rain to really test it. Time will tell...
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 04:50 PM
  #36  
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Default Hardtop leaks

I'm waiting for rain on thurs. too1 Didn't have as many gaskets replaced as you but my tech. did a super job and is proud of his work. Now to just beat nature. We'll see. Harry
Originally Posted by Bueller
An update on my situation -

My jeep now has a new header seal, both new door seals, and a new hard top seal between the main portion of the hard top and the two freedom top panels. The good news is these seals have been significantly updated from their original design Jeep used in 2009. But unfortunately the dealer did a crappy job, and I wound up having to partially reinstall both door seals because they weren't all the way in the channels. Additionally, the driver's door was CRUSHING the new seal because the tech never readjusted the striker after installing these new updated seals, so I readjusted that. And lastly, the hard top seal was basically flapping around, as the tech didn't get that properly stuck down either and ruined the self-adhesive in the process of attempting to install it. So I had to glue down approximately 2.5 feet of the seal with a flexible seam sealing weatherstrip adhesive.

I water tested the top and seals, and it doesn't appear to have any leaks at this point. I'm disappointed that I had to clean up after a warranty repair, which I shouldn't have to do. But I'm happy with the prospect that it might actually be fixed this time. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, though I don't know if we'll get enough rain to really test it. Time will tell...
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Old Nov 9, 2011 | 05:00 PM
  #37  
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Default best solution

Originally Posted by saharaharry
I was just reading another post about water leaks. It's been on going. JKs have been out since 07. TOO many of us are suffering with these unfixable problems. NO matter what you spent for your wrangler its a lot of money. Chrysler has knowingly produced and has continued to produce these vehicles with this problem. In 11, they switched hardtop suppliers and the problem continues. I have an 11 Rubi JKU and am waiting to take it back in for the 5th time! NO solution. May end up trading for a 5.0 Mustang. A shame since I've been driving Wranglers since '97.
Anyhow, just needed to vent. A CLASS action suit would be good. There are many of you out there with this problem. Thanx for listening. Harry.
PS, I'm located on Long Island NY.
go to amazon and order dow corning 111 valve lube and spread it on the rubber everywhere. if it still leaks trade it off.
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