Dust Leaks

Dust Leaks

Dust leaks into the vehicle where water does not, particularly in the lower interior portion. The forward motion of the vehicle can create a vacuum which pulls the air and the dust inside the vehicle.


In order to determine the location of dust leaks, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the mats and the insulation from the floor and the kick panel.
2. Drive the vehicle on a dusty road.
3. Examine the interior. Dust in the shape of a small cone or a slit will normally be found at the point of the leak.
4. Mark the points of the leak.
5. Darken the interior of the vehicle. Shine bright lamps on the underside of the floor and the cowl.
6. Have an assistant inspect the inside of the vehicle for any points where the light shines through.
7. Mark the leak points.
8. Inspect the weld joints and the body mounts.



Corrective Measures

If the leak is between the body panels, use an air drying, flexible, body sealing compound in order to seal the area.


If the leak is around the door, the door may not be properly aligned. Inspect the door alignment. Align the door if needed. If the door is making contact with the weatherstripping correctly, ensure that the weatherstripping is not damaged, and is properly seated on the opening flange. If the weatherstripping is damaged, replace the weatherstripping. For the front door opening refer to Front Door Opening Weatherstrip Replacement (Front Door Opening Weatherstrip Replacement) in Doors. For the rear door opening refer to Rear Door Opening Weatherstrip Replacement (Rear Door Opening Weatherstrip Replacement) in Doors. For the side door opening refer to Side Door Opening Weatherstrip Replacement (Side Door Opening Weatherstrip Replacement) in Doors. For the side front door refer to Side Front Door Weatherstrip Replacement (Side Front Door Weatherstrip Replacement) in Doors. For the rear side door refer to Rear Side Door Weatherstrip Replacement (Rear Side Door Weatherstrip Replacement) in Doors. For the front and rear door lower refer to Front and Rear Side Door Lower Weatherstrip Replacement (Front and Rear Side Door Lower Weatherstrip Replacement) in Doors. For the side rear door lower refer to Rear Side Door Lower Weatherstrip Replacement (Rear Side Door Lower Weatherstrip Replacement) in Doors. For the side door window refer to Intermediate Side Door Window Weatherstrip Replacement (Service and Repair) in Doors. For the sliding door refer to Sliding Door Weatherstrip Replacement (Service and Repair) in Doors. For the sliding door window refer to Sliding Door Window Weatherstrip Replacement (Service and Repair) in Doors.