Body - Leak at Driver Side Windshield/A-Pillar Below I/P
File In Section: 10 BodyBulletin No.: 86-16-07
Date: May, 1998
Subject:
Leak at Driver Side Windshield or A-Pillar Below Instrument Panel (Reseal Roof to B-Pillar Surface)
Models:
1998 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Extended Cab Pickup Models Built Prior to the Following VIN Breakpoints:
Models VIN Breakpoints
Chevrolet WR135088
GMC WR513708
Condition
Some owners may comment about water dripping from the top left corner of the driver side windshield or water leaking from between the moldings at the front of the driver side door area below the instrument panel.
Cause
Condition may be due to a void in the sealer above the B-pillar. This may allow water to enter the quarter panel at the top. Because the rear of this channel is higher than the front, this allows water to channel forward and come out at the above locations.
Correction
Reseal the roof to B-pillar surface using the following Service Procedure.
Service Procedure
Figures 1 and 2 show where water may enter inside the vehicle.
1. Remove the A-pillar molding. You do not need to completely remove the molding from the IP (Figure 3).
2. Run water over the entire left side of the vehicle, especially at the front of the ditch molding area. Because it takes the water about 1-2 minutes to travel, continue to run water in this area for at least that amount of time (Figure 4).
3. With one person running the water on the outside of the vehicle, have an assistant inside the vehicle carefully pull back the corner of the headliner and watch for a water drip (Figure 5).
4. Dry the outside of the vehicle. Place tape over the ditch molding (Figure 6).
5. Run water in the same manner as Step 2.
6. Inspect for water in the same manner as Step 3. If no leak is found, then this is the source of the leak.
7. In order to repair the leak, apply 3M Flexiclear(TM) clear body sealer, or equivalent, to the joint. Apply the sealer into cracks or voids as much as possible beside and under the molding for at least 38 mm (1-1/2 in) rearward. Make sure that the front edge is completely sealed. This operation can be done without removing the molding (Figure 7).
Important:
This sealer turns white when contacted with water or humidity prior to completely drying. If the sealer turns white, you may need to apply some touch-up paint.
8. Using naptha, clean any excess sealer from the body.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Description Labor Time
B7681 Molding, Roof to 0.3 hr
Body Side - Replace
Add Perform Waterleak 0.2 hr
Diagnosis and Repair
Add Colorcoat Silicone 0.1 hr