BODY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
INDEX
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Water Leaks
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Wind Noise
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WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing, improper
body component alignment, body seam porosity, miss-
ing plugs, or blocked drain holes. Centrifugal and
gravitational force can cause water to drip from an
area somewhat distant from the actual leak point,
making leak detection difficult. All body sealing points
should be water tight in normal wet driving conditions.
Water flowing downward from the front of the vehicle
should not enter the passenger or luggage compart-
ment. Moving sealing surfaces will not always seal
water tight under all conditions. At times, side glass,
door, or convertible top seals will allow water to enter
the passenger compartment during high pressure
washing or hard driving rain (severe) conditions. Over
compensating on door, glass, or top adjustments to stop
a water leak that occurs under severe conditions, can
cause premature seal wear and excessive closing or
latching effort. After a repair procedure has been
performed, water test vehicle to verify leak has stopped
before returning vehicle to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK
TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear and body components are aligned and
sealed. If component alignment or sealing is necessary,
refer to the appropriate section of this group for proper
procedures.
WATER LEAK TESTS
WARNING: DO NOT USE ELECTRIC SHOP LIGHTS
OR TOOLS IN WATER TEST AREA, PERSONAL IN-
JURY CAN RESULT.
When a determination has been made on the condi-
tions that a water leak occurs, simulate the conditions
as closely as possible.
• If a leak occurs when the car is parked in a steady
light rain, flood the leak area with a open ended garden
hose.
• If a leak occurs at highway speeds in a steady rain,
test the leak area with a stream or fan spray of water
from a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle. Direct
the spray in the direction comparable to actual condi-
tions.
• If a leak seems to occur only when the vehicle is
parked on an incline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle
to simulate this condition before water testing. This
method can also be used when the leak occurs when the
vehicle accelerates, stops, or turns. If the leak occurs
on acceleration, hoist the front of the vehicle. If the
leak occurs when braking, hoist the back of the vehicle.
If the leak occurs on left turns, hoist the left side of the
vehicle. If the leak occurs on right turns, hoist the right
side of the vehicle. For hoisting recommendations refer
to Group 0, Lubrication and Maintenance, General
Information section.
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point of entry, perform a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming on
the inside if the vehicle. If necessary remove interior
trim covers or panels to gain visual access to the leak
area. If the hose can not be positioned without being
held, have someone help perform the water test.
Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak ap-
pears, determine the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will indicate the point
of entry. After leak point has been determined, repair
the leak and water test to verify that leak has stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking into
a cavity between panels can be difficult. The trapped
water splashes or runs from the cavity it is dammed up
in, often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on a incline.
MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use a
suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can also
be used to deflect light to a limited access area to assist
in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can be
detected without water testing. Position the vehicle in
a brightly light area. From inside the darkened lug-
gage compartment inspect around seals and body
seams. If necessary, have a helper direct a drop light
over the suspected leak areas around the lug-
23 - 2
BODY
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