Side window water leak

[Jason94sport]

Looks like I have a small water leak from the passanger side rear side window. I did a leak test today, & it's coming from the seal around the top of the corner of the window. I tightened the bolts that hold the window in place & it helped, but it's still leaking from this area. Any suggestions on how to fix this? Can I replace the seal or does the whole window need to be replaced?

Thanks

 

[Darrman]

I am guessing you mean the rear quarter glass? If so, I can help, I replaced both sides not too long ago. If its leaking at the top, its because the butyl seal is dried out and is no longer sealed. To fix, you will need to go and buy a roll of butyl window seal, I got mine from Napa, and then unbolt the window, and with some one on the outside to catch the glass, lightly slap the window from the inside till it pops out. Then just clean all the old butyl off and clean the body real good, use some paint thinner, and just run a new seal around the outline on the glass, then bolt the window back in.

 

[Jason94sport]

That's alot of work. Can I just seal it with something like silicone sealant or something?

 

[Darrman]

Well yeah as a temporary fix, thats what I did till I got around to it, but the sun and heat and vibration will probably just ruin it in a few months.
It really isnt hard, only takes about 1 hour to do each side, and the butyl tape is only about $20, and was enough to just do both sides on a 2dr, but not enough for a 4dr.

 

[Jason94sport]

What size butly tape do I use? They have all different widths. The napa guy was clueless.

 

[Darrman]

If I remember right it was half inch, I think the quarter inch was too skinny. You will need to draw the stuff up tight, if you want to get both windows off of a roll, not stretch, but just no slack. Also make SURE the break point, where the two ends meet is in the bottom center of the glass, and kinda mash the ends together.

 

[Jason94sport]

Was it 3/8"? 2 different stores seem to only carry that. I also don't see 1/2" listed on Napa's website.

Thanks

 

[Darrman]

yeah, that should work, as long as its not the quarter inch, that may have been the size I bought, but I cant remember now, its been about a year since I did mine. Let me know how it goes.

 

[Jason94sport]

I think it might have been the 1/4" That's what size it looked like when I took the old stuff off. The 3/8" stuff I used was thick.
The window won't stay flush anymore with the body. Everything is tightened to the max & the window sticks out past the window frame all around. It's not by much maybe about 2-3mm's. I put a hose on it for a few minutes & no leaks, but that doesn't mean much untill I get a real South FL down poor.
I only did the window that was leaking. I'm not messing with the other one(not broke don't fix it)

 

[Darrman]

It will flatten out with some heat, when ever it starts getting hot again it will cook it flat. Mine did the same, after a couple good summer days, it fits flush. the quarter inch stuff will work, but the skinny-ness will mean it will break down faster and start leaking again. Better to have a thicker seal.

 

[ThreeQuarter]

I just re-sealed my RR quarter window today, and had the same experience as Jason. I used the 3/8" and my window molding won't draw down all the way to the paint now.

The 3/8" stuff seals fine, but I think 1/4" would be more appropriate. Thanks for the info, guys!

 

[Potomac30]

RV stores sell a lot of butyl tape because rv windows are famous for leaking.