SnatchedHatch Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 I pulled the mats from my (recently purchased) Sub, and the PS was very wet, I definitely did not spill anything. The front mat (rubber) had tiny spots of what looked like precursors to mold, as I haven't lifted them in the week I've owned the car, I'm not surprised. The underside of the mat was visibly wet. My frameless windows sprung a few leaks during a carwash, and only dripped momentarily during a hour ride through pouring rain on Saturday. DS is bone dry, I'm thinking the windows were left cracked by mistake my that the previous owner, buut we had a dry spell for the entire week before I bought the car. Any terrible news I don't want to hear? Car was outside for 4+ hours on Saturday during heavy rain, maybe it jsut slowly leaked. Right now, I pulled the mats and left the windows down (garaged, going to check out a quick remedy to speed the drying.) ... *ding* I guess I could use my shopvac. If it's just the leaky windows, is there anything I can do to improve the seals? I'll go check the forum Thanks Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/105367-inside-moisture/?hl=%2Bleaky+%2Bwindows&do=findComment&comment=887517 My trunk (underneath@spare tire) was dry and surprisingly clean a week ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 PS leaks always lead me to suspect a clogged drain line from the AC unit or the cowling beneath the windshield. For the windscreen area, try pouring water into the small hole at the PS cowling area (usually covered by leaves). This should find its way out beneath the car in the same general area. For the AC unit, run the AC or defroster and then park on dry pavement. You should see water dripping out below the PS area just behind the wheel well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grimaceNMike Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 My car has a leak as well. My windshield is to blame, after a heavy rain My headliner gets puddles in it, and when I brake the water drops down on my ps seat and floor. After a few days it starts to smell like mildew and wet dog.. Very annoying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbhrps Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 snatchedhatch, If the leak is the AC drain tube, water from that drain will be under the car at the firewall on the passenger side. If, after running the AC, the water doesn't appear on the ground where I described, then your drain is clogged. The fix is to open the hood, and on the passenger side, down low on the firewall, look for the rubber drain end. Squeeze it open several times. Or get the car in the air, and from underneath slide a coat hanger part way up the tube end to clear the debris. grimaceNMike, If your OBW has a sunroof and its a 2000 - 2004, the steel sides of the sunroof opening may be wicking water through the cracks in the sealant under the paint and through the paint cracks, into the roof support structures. From there it drips down into the overhead map lights and drips onto your lap, especially on turns. My 2004 did the same thing. Subaru had a TSB on the issue. The fix I used was to open the sunroof, and lightly sand the painted sides of the sunroof opening. I then mixed up a small amount of 5 minute epoxy and painted the sides of the sunroof opening to seal the microscopic cracks in the paint and the sealant underneath. Give the epoxy overnight to cure completely before closing the sunroof. I've had one clown here scoff at the cause of the leak and my repair, when I described this issue a year or so ago. He obviously never read Subaru's TSB on the issue (back in 2001 I believe) describing the same fix, because of inadequate sealant application at the factory, and sealant shrinkage, causing the paint to crack microscopicly. I never had any more leaks from the sunroof after the repair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 Pulled my mats, the floor dried out in a few hours (used a shop vac to aid). Then it rained, and I noticed the PS had two largish leaks (DS as well). I think I found my culprit, and after I washed my car today, I confirmed two spots on the window pane that lack sealing. I would imagine it shouldn't be that hard to replace the door seals, just a proper replacement with appropriate adhesive. ...buuut that most likely is easier to say than do. Any remedies at all for this problem? The DS occasional leak is more than a drip on my forearm lol.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbhrps Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 (edited) snatchedhatch, Are you sure that the problem is the weatherstripping, or .. is the window glass not properly aligned to seal up correctly? Those frameless windows often get out of alignment because people grab the glass to close the door. There is a procedure for setting the glass up properly, but you will need the proper pages from the service manual to follow. They are involved and fussy, but it can be a DIYer. I used to have a copy of the FSM that I downloaded from a link on this site, but as I've moved on to the newer body style 2010+, I erased it. Do some searching here to find the link and download what you need. Or maybe someone will post the pages you need. Good Luck! Edited October 8, 2014 by gbhrps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 9, 2014 Author Share Posted October 9, 2014 Thank you, I will ask around as misaligned windows are definitely a possibility. I did notice the PS front well was wet again, however I'll have to double check if it simply hadn't dried out from last night's wash. I left the mats out on the PS and the rear was definitely dry a few hours ago, I'm going to go check that out. I hope the A.C. isn't another issue to mess with, because I definitely have some baahd leaks. snatchedhatch, Are you sure that the problem is the weatherstripping, or .. is the window glass not properly aligned to seal up correctly? Those frameless windows often get out of alignment because people grab the glass to close the door. There is a procedure for setting the glass up properly, but you will need the proper pages from the service manual to follow. They are involved and fussy, but it can be a DIYer. I used to have a copy of the FSM that I downloaded from a link on this site, but as I've moved on to the newer body style 2010+, I erased it. Do some searching here to find the link and download what you need. Or maybe someone will post the pages you need. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartless Posted October 9, 2014 Share Posted October 9, 2014 you should be able to find the appropriate pages here: http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/ might take a little digging to find exactly what you need, but it should be there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 9, 2014 Author Share Posted October 9, 2014 you should be able to find the appropriate pages here: http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/ might take a little digging to find exactly what you need, but it should be there. I found it before I could have finished your sentence lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 15, 2014 Author Share Posted October 15, 2014 Found the culprit!! This is peculiar, the PS upper corner of the Windshield has tiny portion unsealed: i.e. a smidge of the corner of the glass is exposed. I felt the rubber trim on the reverse side, it has a slight give where you'd expect water flow. I'll have to pour down some rubbing alcohol, and hit it with some silicone? Not looking forward to adjusting those frame-less windows, the PS one's definitely look off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 16, 2014 Author Share Posted October 16, 2014 (edited) A little clear drying tub and tile... http://postimg.org/image/m7fqzhh2z/ Edited October 16, 2014 by SnatchedHatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 (edited) snatchedhatch, Are you sure that the problem is the weatherstripping, or .. is the window glass not properly aligned to seal up correctly? Those frameless windows often get out of alignment because people grab the glass to close the door. There is a procedure for setting the glass up properly, but you will need the proper pages from the service manual to follow. They are involved and fussy, but it can be a DIYer. I used to have a copy of the FSM that I downloaded from a link on this site, but as I've moved on to the newer body style 2010+, I erased it. Do some searching here to find the link and download what you need. Or maybe someone will post the pages you need. Good Luck! It's been a while, I never updated this thread. I think I found a small leak that I sealed at the body panel seam just above/behind the top corner of the windshield. ...buuut it never solved the issue. Whenever it rains for a while, and with the proper maneuver, a quarter cup of water slowly pours from right under the dash/glove compartment. It looks and sounds just like cracking a faucet on low. O.o I uh try not to leave the car in the elements, a puddle in my mat does ensue. I'm going to really read into the window adjustments, but they barely leak unless I give the car a wash. They just press against the frame more than stock, so you've gotta give it that extra bit of oomph when closing them. Edited November 18, 2014 by SnatchedHatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 Did you try pouring water in the hole in the lower corner of the cowling below the windshield? It should drain out behind the fron wheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 I'll give that a shot, thanks. Did you try pouring water in the hole in the lower corner of the cowling below the windshield? It should drain out behind the fron wheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 I'll give that a shot, thanks. See post #3 in this thread for clarification/suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 See post #3 in this thread for clarification/suggestions. I did heed your suggestion, already ruled out the A/C, it doesn't cause any wetness if run normally or extensively. It could just be the car gremlins pouring water down my dash right when it rains, just to frick with me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith3267 Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 The intake for outside air is under the cowling in front of the windshield on the passenger side. The cowling is that piece of plastic that goes from the base of the windshield to the weatherstripping under the hood. You have to remove it to get to the windshield wiper motor and linkage. It is held by some type of plastic fastener. Some of the fasteners used may have to be replaced so you may want to stop at the dealers parts department first to get a couple of spares. Under the cowling, you will find a horn that is about an inch tall where air enters the HVAC system. The blower motor is directly under this horn with a blend door between them. At each corner is a drain that goes behind the inner fenders in front of the doors. It is possible that one or both drains are clogged allowing water to fill the cavity and overflowing the horn and entering the blower motor and leaking down to the carpet below. You should be able to clean this out. Worse case, the horn has rusted around the base so water does not have to fill the cavity first. You can caulk small holes if it has. Doors leak. All auto doors leak. They have small drain holes along the inside edge at the bottom just outside the weather stripping. Check to make sure those holes aren't blocked up. If they get blocked, the door cavity fills with water and the water spills into the interior through the speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 I did heed your suggestion, already ruled out the A/C, it doesn't cause any wetness if run normally or extensively. It could just be the car gremlins pouring water down my dash right when it rains, just to frick with me! Did you make sure the drain hole at the cowling isn't clogged? Pour water into the area where the little hole is. If it drains beneath the car, look elsewhere for problems. If your passenger side floor gets wet... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted November 20, 2014 Author Share Posted November 20, 2014 The intake for outside air is under the cowling in front of the windshield on the passenger side. The cowling is that piece of plastic that goes from the base of the windshield to the weatherstripping under the hood. You have to remove it to get to the windshield wiper motor and linkage. It is held by some type of plastic fastener. Some of the fasteners used may have to be replaced so you may want to stop at the dealers parts department first to get a couple of spares. Under the cowling, you will find a horn that is about an inch tall where air enters the HVAC system. The blower motor is directly under this horn with a blend door between them. At each corner is a drain that goes behind the inner fenders in front of the doors. It is possible that one or both drains are clogged allowing water to fill the cavity and overflowing the horn and entering the blower motor and leaking down to the carpet below. You should be able to clean this out. Worse case, the horn has rusted around the base so water does not have to fill the cavity first. You can caulk small holes if it has. Doors leak. All auto doors leak. They have small drain holes along the inside edge at the bottom just outside the weather stripping. Check to make sure those holes aren't blocked up. If they get blocked, the door cavity fills with water and the water spills into the interior through the speakers. I believe your first tip is likely right. My heater/air/vent control is messed up, the floor mode doesn't quite work nto to mention letting some air through the front vents, and some air always comes through the feet vents on other settings. Today I finally stuck my hand down there while driving, the DS foot well seems to only blow from the very right, as if it was misaligned or blocked. As for the second tip, other members have pointed out that the frameless windows can be thrown out of wack, and can be readjusted. I have to take a stab at that, they are visibly "off". Even had another OBS to side by side confirm. It leaks slightly from the top window edge due to this, but only under heavy rain. Still... the wind noise at high speed is enough reason to get on that. Thank you Keith, I'll be using your breakdown this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 I seriously doubt the few drops driven in a car wash are indicative of the source of your problem. I get that on my car on the rare occasion that it goes through the wringer at the dealership (free washes with my lifetime free oil changes deal). One problem at a time now. If you are talking about wind noise from the windows, the likely culprit is the triangular piece in the corner of the window. On some cars there is a tweeter installed in this triangle. Anyways, this piece gets deformed from people closing the door using the window or pressing against the window when getting out of the car in tight spaces. My 2005 Outback had this problem and after a tech replaced this piece under warranty, he showed me how to pinch the piece back into shape. Result was no more wind noise. I posted the technique at the following link with pictures. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/4377-drivers-window-wind-noise-fix/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted November 20, 2014 Author Share Posted November 20, 2014 (edited) I seriously doubt the few drops driven in a car wash are indicative of the source of your problem. I get that on my car on the rare occasion that it goes through the wringer at the dealership (free washes with my lifetime free oil changes deal). One problem at a time now. If you are talking about wind noise from the windows, the likely culprit is the triangular piece in the corner of the window. On some cars there is a tweeter installed in this triangle. Anyways, this piece gets deformed from people closing the door using the window or pressing against the window when getting out of the car in tight spaces. My 2005 Outback had this problem and after a tech replaced this piece under warranty, he showed me how to pinch the piece back into shape. Result was no more wind noise. I posted the technique at the following link with pictures. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/4377-drivers-window-wind-noise-fix/ Car wash? I was by hand, and hence directly see the outcome. Heavy rain as well. "Anyways, this piece gets deformed from people closing the door using the window or pressing against the window when getting out of the car in tight spaces." Son of a gun... I've read that before "My 2005 Outback had this problem and after a tech replaced this piece under warranty, he showed me how to pinch the piece back into shape. Result was no more wind noise. I posted the technique at the following link with pictures." Ok, now I know you've linked me that in the past haha, it was a good tip and it makes you think everytime you instincetively begin to reach for the glass when closing the door. Am I conflicted on if the windows are the source? Nah, you're ignoring what I wrote about my windows being out of allignment, lol all you have to do is look at the left side of the car.. then the right side. Then my buddy comes along in his OBS.. and damn we both unanimously agree that the PS needs adjusting. Pour a cup of water on that window, out it shall come through the poorly sealed crack. It's been awhile since I started this thread, I've had sometime to get to know my car Brus, give me some credit! Thanks for the advice thus far. I have a list of things to do to my OBS this weekend, and checking that PS lower windshield drain is right up there. -Sam Edited November 20, 2014 by SnatchedHatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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