Sunroof leak, slightly different

[DFXR]

I'll start by saying that I have searched and read through a number of leaky sunroof threads. Lots of great info of course but nothing that describes my issue specifically.

Problem: I have a 2000 LC with a leaky sunroof. Issue is in the pass front corner. Rather than building up around the drain holes and spilling over, the water is actually building up inside the plastic trim aka "side garnish" that is attached to the sunroof glass on the interior side. Water builds up, then trickles out directly onto the headliner and down to the passenger seat. In heavy rain it's a steady and serious drip.

Anyone else have this kind of issue? Anyone ever pull the side garnish off from the inside?

All four drain holes are free and clear and move water out of the side channels quickly. It seems like the problem water must be going through the rubber seal on the top of the glass in order to get into the plastic garnish. Never even makes it to the drain channels. But the seal looks completely fine up top.

Any insight would be appreciated. Pics attached.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Mine does the same thing. I took off the garnish and found that it is leaking between the seal and the glass. It was dripping from the seam in the back center and running down the inside of the garnish to the passenger side. With the garnish off, it drips into the rain tray, so that is how I left it for now.

 

[DFXR]

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like a good working solution so I'll try it. Did you look into replacing the outer seal on the glass? I will have to read up a little more on that.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Yes I did. The seal is cheap but you need to pull the glass out to replace it. I figure that's a job for good weather!

 

[Gottagetone]

I have the same thing, seals are cheap to replace so thats on my list.

 

[GaFJC]

Yes I did. The seal is cheap but you need to pull the glass out to replace it. I figure that's a job for good weather!

I had the exact same leak dripping from the sunroof garnish. My drains were all clear.

Local stealer techs were clueless on what to do. They told me you couldn't order the gasket but could only order the whole assembly as gasket and glass. Didn't want to touch adjustment screws because they were "stripped" (they weren't).

I then ordered what would be the first replacement gasket. This gasket was jacked up by a novice installer who used too much adhesive. When it cured, it pushed the gasket out enough where the glass w/ gasket was too big too fit in the sunroof opening.

Second gasket installed by diff shop w/o adhesive ( I found this out when I called back them after it started leaking). Water simply worked its way in between gasket and glass filling garnish and then dripping. This was the original problem!

I finally got fed up with supposed "professionals" and ordered a salvage sunroof from car-part.com. I know i stood a chance of inheriting the same problem with someone used parts but i rolled the dice.

I lubed it up with Liquid Wrench (silicone) slid in checking to make sure it was properly adjusted for height when closed. Thus far no leaks after a night and day of steady rains.

When this one starts leaking someday I'll likely just use Rust-Oleum Leak Seal Flexible Rubber Sealant (Black) or similar product and spray the gasket/glass seam. Water won't be able to work around but the sunroof will still open.

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[SNLC]

Yup, have this problem on mine. It doesn't rain here much so I have not done a thing to fix it. I did clean all he drains but that is obviously not the problem.

Cheers

 

[SurfSwitch]

My '99 does this too. I just close the shade and it dries out relatively quick in the garage since it's only a few drips every time. I live in Washington where the sun is a rare occurrence this time of year. I'd love a permanent fix, but it's pretty low on the priority list.

 

[Bomar]

I used this stuff after reading alot on other forums about this.... it seemed to help with the main gasket has a quick fix. I used on all seals and really helps.

Amazon.com: nextzett 91480615 'Gummi Pflege Stift' Rubber Care Stick - 3.4 fl. oz: Automotive

 

[DFXR]

My solution a few years back was a layer of clear silicone caulk around the seal on the exterior. I managed to smooth it out fairly well. I won't say I'm proud of it but it sure beats pulling the glass.

It has held up well for the last 4 years but in a recent torrential downpour, the kind we get one or two of annually in Nor Cal, I get a few drips. By the time the sun is out again I have usually moved re-sealing back down on the priority list.