Author Topic: Who Is Da Sunroof Expert? (Read 1431 times)

slammedbus · « **on:** March 25, 2006, 04:58:00 PM »

ok so here is the story. My dad owns a 90 4 runner and it has what I believe to be an aftermarket sunroof. It just started to leak and I think it is leaking down his windshield pillar and water is landing all over the relay for the heater blower motor. he called apple auto glass but they say they don't do that kind of stuff........anyone know where to go???

Thanks a bunch

J

kirin · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2006, 05:21:19 PM »

First off what I would do is check to make sure any visable seals are all in place and are in good shape. IF ther are drain tubes(in all four corners) They should be clean. Test by pouring a bit of water down it. They normally drain in the wheel wells/ rockers. other then that unless the install was shotty it should work fine.

slammedbus · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2006, 06:00:34 PM »

The reason I said this is because there is no visible rust or seal issues around the windshield. I know for a fact that water is coming down the windshield pillar and is leaking on that relay. Because my dad said the there is a small leak that has just started with the sunroof I am assuming that the sunroof is the reason for the dripping on the relay.

Thanks Kirin but the seals and all look fine. I am pretty sure this sunroof is to blame. Just trying to find out who is the sunroof guru in the GVRD

Thanks

rustybus · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2006, 08:08:29 PM »

J

I worked for a body shop in langley called brothers , the owner Geoff was a water leak guru you should swing by there on monday. Let him know I sent ya .

Chris

BUSDADDY · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2006, 08:13:40 PM »

Shut yourself in there upsude down and backwards with your head under the dash with a light and have someone start at the bottom of the windshield with the hose and slowly work up to the top and then the sunroof. Don't be suprised if the windshield or cowl heater air plenum is leaking. When you find it have your helper call 911 so the paramedics can get you out because you might have difficulty moving after being in that position for more than 2 minutes. Save yourself the trouble and take out the seat first.

rustybus · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2006, 08:27:23 PM »

Quote

When you find it have your helper call 911 so the paramedics can get you out because you might have difficulty moving after being in that position for more than 2 minutes. Save yourself the trouble and take out the seat first.

:lol: :lol: :lol: Mark He's not as old as us he might not have the back problems we do

GRK · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2006, 12:17:41 AM »

I know this sounds stupid as I know your a body man but my 80 GTI I spent a pile of time thinking my sunroof was leaking. I replaced seal checked drip/drain tubes turned out I had a pinhole underneath the front window seal . it would drain down the corner of the rabbit when parked on certain angle.

Gary

jonny · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2006, 09:27:27 PM »

I spent five years working in a body shop as low man on the totem pole, so I got all the waterleaks. I also spent two years in the the mid 90's installing aftermarket sunroofs for an accessory/detail shop in Langley. A good friend of mine who has 10+ years experience in glass and sunroof installs (inc waterleaks) has a small shop a couple of streets behind the Airspeed store. I am sure between the two of us can help you with diagnosis or repair of your leakage. If you are interested let me know and hopefully we can line up our schedules.

If I recall correctly on that bodystyle of Forerunner the front of the roof has a pretty drastic curve coming down toward the windshield. As most aftermarket sunroofs are built one size fits all they usually have a very little curve running front to rear. I would have to assume that this would cause some pretty serious pressure at the front of your sunroof possibly causing your seal under the flange to fail over time. Also the sealant used on most aftermarket sunroofs was a strip caulking similar to the 3m stuff ( sometimes called dum dum). This stuff has a tendancy to dry up over time also leading to failure of your seal and leaking. The seal I am refering to is the one between the sunroof flange and the roof metal not the weatherstrip seal that seals sunroof body to the glass. It would be a good idea to check this seal as well and treat it with some Vaseline if is dryed out or deformed at all.

Good luck Jon.