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Water leak

Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 11:25 pm
by Maoule
I have an 06 base vibe. The leak is coming from the plastic cover on the driver side windshield column, right where it meets the roof cloth. It appears that it accumulates while the car is immobile and it rains. The water pours/drips only while accelerating (1-2 tbsp), after that, no more... even while driving in the rain. I don't see many places it can be coming from and no visible damaged seals, etc. Any thoughts before I start tearing things apart? Thanks.

Re: Water leak (Maoule)

Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 11:28 pm
by star_deceiver
Do you have a sunroof?

Re: Water leak (star_deceiver)

Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2010 11:37 pm
by Maoule
Nope, just a plain ol' base.

Re: Water leak (Maoule)

Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 12:11 am
by ColonelPanic
Since you don't have a moonroof, the next possible thing I would start looking at is the roof rack. It would be a lot of trouble but you could always drop the headliner and get out the garden hose. Not sure if it could be the top corner of the windshield, perhaps water is running down the roof to the windshield and under that corner?

Re: Water leak (Maoule)

Posted: Sat Apr 03, 2010 12:12 am
by star_deceiver
Sounds like the widshield glue has developed a small leak. Or rust is forming between the seal and roof.Take the plastic piece off and take down the front of the headliner, then while sitting in the car have someone run the garden hose onto the seam where you think the leak is coming from. Not sure about the 1st gen, but my 09 has a rubber lip between the windshield and roof, above the glue. If yours has that then have your assistant pull it back slightly with a toothpick or plastic knife while flooding the area with water. If you find the hole, try covering/plugging it with superglue as a temproary fix. Good luck!!!

Re: Water leak (star_deceiver)

Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2010 9:35 am
by Maoule
Long story short... I took it to auto glass place (actually he came here). Turns out the windshield had been replaced and not well. About half of the windshield was not glued across the top and a coupla other spots showed water intrusion. He tried to do a reglue but, of course, it broke. New windshield and glue job (under my supervision )- $195.00. I'll submit it to insurance and see what happens. I feel better about it though because there was rust starting down in the seal/glue groove. No IPad for the wife this week

Re: Water leak (Maoule)

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 9:25 am
by star_deceiver
But at least your water leak is solved!!!!

Re: Water leak (Maoule)

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 1:02 pm
by epcIII
Quote, originally posted by Maoule »Long story short... I took it to auto glass place (actually he came here). Turns out the windshield had been replaced and not well. About half of the windshield was not glued across the top and a coupla other spots showed water intrusion. He tried to do a reglue but, of course, it broke. New windshield and glue job (under my supervision )- $195.00. I'll submit it to insurance and see what happens. I feel better about it though because there was rust starting down in the seal/glue groove. No IPad for the wife this week Same exact thing happened to me! I bought my Vibe used and noticed after it rained that the carpet would be soaked. Turned out to be a result of a replaced windshield. The auto-glass guy said that it was possible someone got in the car and shut the door too hard and broke the seal(by the air pressure) which wasn't cured enough yet.Got a new windshield put in and problem solved too (until the drain line in the sunroof kinked....).

Re: Water leak (Maoule)

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2010 8:25 pm
by djkeev
Glad you found your leak!There is little that enhances a pleasant drive than a new windshield! No chip glare, no scratches!! I've at times considered replacing mine just to have that pleasure of a clear view.iPad? hmmm Have an iPhone, not sure I need a BIGGER ONE. The advantages of the iPad over an iPhone or iTouch just don't seem worth it. Plus the size to carry around, just get a laptop and be done with it.Dave