Water leaking from A-pillar airbag cover in heavy rain

[da_jokker]

Had a water leak in my XJ coming out the bottom of the door frame by the A piller. After spending bucks to replace the door rubber and a new windshield (needed one anyway) still leaked.

Then I got smart and took a systematic approach. Taped a bunch of garbage bags and uses blue painters tape around key points including window seals door jambs etc.

Then busted out the garden hose and soaked the outside to make sure I got the leak. Then, started at the bottom and slowly removed the bags/tape from key sections, testing each time.

Got down to the last bags that only covered the roof rails and bingo.... Water was coming in from a roof rail bolt.... $3 tube of sealant on all the bolts and the problem was solved.

My point, reproduce the isssue, then cover everything to verify you got it, then start at the BOTTOM and work your way up.

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[Rubicon 2 Badlands]

I’ve had water in my Jeep (JKU) during rainstorms. Usually, I reset the two front panels and that takes care of it. One time I got inside it after it sat for a few days, and it was pretty moldy smelling. Took the top off and let the sun bake it. I hope yours is not a big issue and that they take care of it.

 

[BLMike]

I can’t recall if they drilled or popped a plug. If they drilled, then I agree, hard to leak through steel. But aren’t the racks bolted in place? Is a gasket missing for the bolt?

Edit: I see that was answered above. I’ll go back to my armchair!

Just a lot of post at one time. Impossible to keep up with new ones when you are posting. At least you are reading the posts, unlike others who just post asking a question that was answered 100 times already. Ok, 100 is exaggerating, 98 times. ;-)

 

[BLMike]

Had a water leak in my XJ coming out the bottom of the door frame by the A piller. After spending bucks to replace the door rubber and a new windshield (needed one anyway) still leaked.

Then I got smart and took a systematic approach. Taped a bunch of garbage bags and uses blue painters tape around key points including window seals door jambs etc.

Then busted out the garden hose and soaked the outside to make sure I got the leak. Then, started at the bottom and slowly removed the bags/tape from key sections, testing each time.

Got down to the last bags that only covered the roof rails and bingo.... Water was coming in from a roof rail bolt.... $3 tube of sealant on all the bolts and the problem was solved.

My point, reproduce the isssue, then cover everything to verify you got it, then start at the BOTTOM and work your way up.

Of course it was the LAST bag!

 

[da_jokker]

Of course it was the LAST bag!

It literally was, and not that cliche about the last place you look.. it was the very top bag! But man I was happy when I found it because things were looking pretty down trying to chase that stupid water leak.

 

[NewBroncoOwner]

Man, that is frustrating! let us know the outcome and how it will be fixed

 

[mtap]

Ummm since it’s defective, i would gladly take it out of your hands when i get mine? I’ll even give you a soft top for it?

 

[RotorOver]

My Jeep Commander roof leaked and that was a permanent, non-modular hardtop!

 

[BigFootie]

If there's wires ran, than thats a different story but the roof rack and the plastic cover attach to welded on brackets with studs. Theres no holes in the header for those parts.

The recent Apex NC test drive picture shows the passenger side cover off. You’re 100% correct. Studs, not holes. My bad.

 

[BrentC]

I haven’t read the full thread, but if this is the first time this suggestion has been made I’m laughing inside…or crying.

 

[NotApplicable]

I haven’t read the full thread, but if this is the first time this suggestion has been made I’m laughing inside…or crying.

I’ve never owned FoMoCo products before. Every Ford service center in the SLC metro area is rated like 2 stars on Yelp and google… maybe other metros have better situations

 

[Bronco21fan]

Caught in heavy rain today with the MIC top. Water started dripping then running from passenger side airbag near windshield. Haven’t been able to troubleshoot yet.

Photo is after the water was mostly wiped off. But you’ll get the idea.

I hope it’s from the top and not the windshield.

So it has begun hope it’s nothing serious problem is if you take it to the dealer they won’t be able to do much and parts are probably scarce for the bronco

 

[Jmo0311]

Caught in heavy rain today with the MIC top. Water started dripping then running from passenger side airbag near windshield. Haven’t been able to troubleshoot yet.

Photo is after the water was mostly wiped off. But you’ll get the idea.

I hope it’s from the top and not the windshield.

Caught in heavy rain today with the MIC top. Water started dripping then running from passenger side airbag near windshield. Haven’t been able to troubleshoot yet.

Photo is after the water was mostly wiped off. But you’ll get the idea.

I hope it’s from the top and not the windshield.

Any pictures of where the top meets in that area?

 

[bdub2you]

I have to hope that problems like this, misaligned roof modules, delamination, etc. are results of Webasto's early piss-poor manufacturing and QA, and that these faulty roofs made it out into the supply chain somehow before Webasto roofs were locked down. I sure hope that the body color painted modular roof that's supposed to be available next year has all the bugs worked out. Will just have to live with the soft top on my OBX Sasquatch until then... whenever it gets delivered.

You do know that the modular roof won't be available next year right? Earliest it will be available is 2023.

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