Dutch Door - Water Leak at Weatherstrip
File In Section: 10 - BodyBulletin No.: 46-15-02
Date: October, 1994
Subject:
Dutch Door Water Leak at Center Weatherstrip (Install New Garnish Molding and Shim)
Models:
1992-94 Chevrolet and GMC Truck M/L Vans with RPO E54
Shims and revised garnish moldings are currently being installed in production vehicles. Reference the following chart for specific vin breakpoints:
GMC Chevrolet
Shim RB502146 RB105463
Revised Molding RB541904 RB206312
Condition
Some owners may comment that they are experiencing water leaks at the center top of the rear primary weatherstrip. For water leaks at a location other than the center of the weatherstrip, see Bulletin Number 361501.
Cause
The metal flange in this area may not be thick enough to properly allow the weatherstrip to adhere to it, or the liftgate interior garnish molding may be pushing the weatherstrip down into the vehicle instead of seating on the liftgate frame.
Correction
To repair this condition, it may be necessary to replace the liftgate interior garnish molding and add a shim near the center top of the liftgate flange. The shim will take up the slack at the centerline of the vehicle, allowing the weatherstrip to adhere properly. The new garnish molding has a revised trim line which will eliminate any interference between the molding and the weatherstrip. The service procedures are as follows:
To add shim:
1. Remove the upper D-ring molding and disconnect the top center of the liftgate opening weatherstrip using 3M Release Agent (or equivalent) to break the bond of the weatherstrip adhesive.
2. Attach the shim at the top center of the metal liftgate opening flange. The shim should be positioned on the forward side of the flange (Figure 1, Item A). The shim should be approximately 146 mm x 12.7 mm x 3 mm, made from an ABS material or equivalent, and adhered with 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive or equivalent.
3. Reconnect the weatherstrip to the flange using 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive or equivalent.
4. Reinstall the upper D-ring molding.
To replace garnish molding:
1. At the liftgate garnish molding, remove the interior handle screw covers (Figure 2, Item A).
2. Remove the screws which secure the liftgate handle (Figure 2, Item B).
3. Remove the liftgate handle (Figure 2, Item C) and escutcheon (Figure 2, Item D).
4. Remove the screws which secure the liftgate garnish molding (Figure 2, Item E) to the liftgate assembly (Figure 2, Item F), and remove the molding.
5. Install the new liftgate garnish molding, tightening the garnish molding screws to 1.4 N-m (12 lb.in.).
6. Reinstall the liftgate handle and escutcheon.
7. Reinstall the screws which secure the liftgate handle and tighten to 6 N-m (53 lb.in.).
B. Reinstall the interior handle screw covers.
Parts Information
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: