2024 and 2025 Bronco Hard Top Roof Leaks

[ManuelNY]

How od you "reseat the stripping", does it involve removing it and regluing it and shouldn´t the dealer be doing that ?

My 24 MIC leaked here, and I had to re-seat the weather stripping and all has been well.

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[FourHorses]

How od you "reseat the stripping", does it involve removing it and regluing it and shouldn´t the dealer be doing that ?

Didn’t for me at all. The stripping was not seated properly. So I seated it where it was supposed to be.

 

[ManuelNY]

Clearly I'm not alone in this. I tried talking to three dealers now on this issue. My current dealer is ordering a new header seal. However, some posters here have suggested that the five bolts that fasten the header seal to the window frame (seen from above in the channel) left the factory without nuts and therefore, while the bolts are present, they are not tight in any way. I tested mine by place a socket on each one and seeing if they would freely turn. There some slight resistance at first (likely the sealant getting on the threads) but I can turn them with just my fingertips. I suspect the service tech may find mine doesn't have the nuts installed either, but I'm not sure if its that or just that these are not meant to be tight because they are clamping down on rubber. I don't want to mess with it further and want to leave it to the service department, so we'll see.

However, for entertainment value at least, I explained my situation to another dealership service department. Particularly, the fact that parking on the inclined driveway was a way to manifest the leak. I was told... "So don't park in the driveway". Seriously, this was their answer. I asked if they were making a joke and they said they were not. That there must be something particular about the angle of my driveway causing the problem. =/

Anyway, I will keep everyone posted, in case it's helpful for others.

Yeah, i hear you, the service advisor i got said to me when i dropped the car "that is why i don´t buy cars with rooftops or softops" , how reassuring is that...

 

[ManuelNY]

Update, dealer ordered the gasket for the driver side A pilar to see if it stops the leak. We will see...

 

[ManuelNY]

Here is the latest update. Dealer replaced the rubber gasket on the A pilar. I am monitoring it. If it leaks I will be back to the dealer...

 

[Desmolicious]

Here is the latest update. Dealer replaced the rubber gasket on the A pilar. I am monitoring it. If it leaks I will be back to the dealer...

It's been two months, any updates?

 

[helifino16]

I had a very small leak (maybe a drop or two and dampness on the edge). After I removed and reseated the tops, they've been no problem since and I go through a high pressure car wash nearly weekly. There have been several suggestions on here to add additional weatherstripping to better seal against wind noise. It seems like a lot of effort IMO, but that may help with your water infiltration as well. I have a feeling that it was more-or-less an afterthought leaning toward the removable modular roof panels to give the start of an open-air experience - matching what the Wrangler already had. Ford probably expected most of us to go topless anyway, so wind/water issues were low-priority.

 

[Desmolicious]

My hard top just started to squeak just above my head. I am able to replicate the exact location by pushing on the panel. 46 miles on her! Not going to go to the dealer, just will go to the auto parts store and get a tube of silicone grease

 

[Deadpool392]

My hard top just started to squeak just above my head. I am able to replicate the exact location by pushing on the panel. 46 miles on her! Not going to go to the dealer, just will go to the auto parts store and get a tube of silicone grease

Do you have the B Pillar brace on yours? I don’t know if the Heritage has either (or both) the B and C braces, but I had a clicking noise from the roof panel and the B brace impacting each other.

 

[Desmolicious]

Do you have the B Pillar brace on yours? I don’t know if the Heritage has either (or both) the B and C braces, but I had a clicking noise from the roof panel and the B brace impacting each other.

no brace as far as I can see. Today when I went for a drive it was completely silent. After I got back in it after a lunch break the faint but distinct ‘tick’ sound was back. I miss-spoke when I called it a squeak.
i know exactly where it is coming from - the fastener area on the right rear of the driver front roof panel - and will deal with it (lube it) after this latest LA rain front has ended.

 

[CaliRaptor7201]

where exactly do you put the silicone and how long do you let dry before reinstalling the tops? I would like to do this to my Bronco.

I've had very good results with this stuff on a variety of jobs, particularly with seals/weatherstrips/etc.. Wipes on very clean, no sticky residue. I wiped it on every seal/weatherstrip I could find....it's a lot! All the front top seals, door & window seals, tailgate seals, and the rear top seals.

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-92003-Lubricating-Translucent/dp/B0081JE0OO/ref=sr_1_1_pp?adgrpid=1343603779592284&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JmaEDpW936ydyoS2ZSd4w4vL2j_nbzm7UMYYfaqgQ3IkzibjUUGjCV9YbcWn-XLhpTymACTWMhIkttLNAj2fkMHEmcFdWaQ07tkPRQtvh6Fkbqts32_G-sNbOAHLUzOxI0HzpdkeNm8NK_mD3E-sgnHNBGKIRc-fhA8-i6xfq7hJvnLR_58biEJD1KE8gZpuZiStnUopmFNfmwubhg8cUKcqpnmyzrNOWoKrKUi2MYc.S3oQ83x4Ott_JYCBJbLqM8OZZiEBh0YwTvzTobcHZQk&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83975484588481&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=91490&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83975592367658:loc-190&hydadcr=6400_13218859&keywords=super+lube+silicone+grease&mcid=d66dd23dbdcc3061b0f9d764749d16f4&msclkid=ec9487b2c676166b5733ef6b7058710f&qid=1759098554&sr=8-1&th=1

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[ManuelNY]

It's been two months, any updates?

Yes, thanks for the reminder. Luckily the dealer repair cited above worked well. No leaks since.

 

[DALOLA]

where exactly do you put the silicone and how long do you let dry before reinstalling the tops? I would like to do this to my Bronco.

Wipe it on any rubber seal/weatherstrip, there is no dry time, just wipe it on sparingly, it will literally disappear into the seal, no sticky residue or mess.

 

[Lankyhank888]

Glad they were willing to replace the gaskets for you. Hopefully that takes care of it long-term. Unfortunately, some of us have had leaks come back even after seal and gasket replacements, so I’d definitely keep an eye on it during the next few rainstorms.


I’ve been documenting my own Bronco roof leak issue and water intrusion if you’re curious what mine looks like:





Hopefully yours is fixed for good. Keep us posted.

 

[Techun]

Wipe it on any rubber seal/weatherstrip, there is no dry time, just wipe it on sparingly, it will literally disappear into the seal, no sticky residue or mess.

Put shin etsu grease on all your vehicle weatherstripping

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