Roof/Moonroof Leak in 2003 LL Bean Outback

raubins

Within less than 8 months of having the 2003 LL Bean edition my car developed a leak in the roof. I have had to take it to the service center twice in two weeks. They say it is the channels but the back leaks so that the wall panel by the speaker is soaking wet along with the floor. Two weeks ago I had a small wading pool in the back - the water ran in from the roof seat belt. Has anyone else experienced this problem.

Mr_Shiftright

Sounds like maybe the drains are clogged? Has this been checked?

raubins

The first trip to the Subaru service center (2 weeks ago) they cleaned the channels. We had the car in again this week since the water is now coming in from the back passenger panel around the speaker. They don't know if they have fixed it! Next step would be to send it to Subaru and have them replace both sunroofs. We are concerned that the water has already damaged the roofing and side material.

Mr_Shiftright

Well sometimes they "clear" the channels and end up disconnecting a drain tube inside the body panels by poking it too hard with a wire or dowel or whatever they used.

Another elusive leak comes from havnig torn the vapor barrier from behind the panel, perhaps when speakers were replaced or repaired? If the vapor barrier is torn, and if the squeegee (lower rubber seal at the bottom of the window) is just a bit out of place, water will run into the door, past the squeegee, and since the vapor barrier is torn, some goes into the door panel rather than out the bottom of the door drains.

ateixeira

Hmm, this isn't too common so it's unfortunate. Usually you hear about worn out seals in 10 year old moonroofs.

Let them have another look at is, but this time ask them to pour a pitcher of water on it and really test it out. Or run it through a car wash or something.

Call 800-SUBARU3 and open up a case to complain about it.

To dry the interior, run a dehumidifier inside the car over night. They work well, and can remove several pints of water overnight. Sprinkly in some baking soda before your next vacuuming to prevent any smells.

Good luck, keep us posted?

-juice

lfdal

They have eliminated bad seals around the roof racks ? (Sorry don't know if that's germane to LL Beans or not).

Also, check for stains in the headliner and sidewalls - shine a bright light on them (a portable 120v work lamp if you have one) - its no big deal for them to replace, other than the labor involved. I'd be surprised if they didn't job it out. I know the Lincoln Mercury dealers around here all use one "expert" who makes the rounds every week or two - they won't touch leaks themselves.

For the money you paid for the car, asking them to strip the upper interior and do a full leak check, with one of them in the car, is not unreasonable. They may not like it, but its not unreasonable, especially if you have any respiratory issues.

juices idea about a dehumidifier is right on - will definitely suck the moisture out and prevent mold which is very nasty on the respiratory system.

Larry

lngtonge18

I can almost guarantee you that the dealer dislodged the plastic drain hose from the back of the sunroof when they attempted to clean it out (or they punctured the hose). This would allow water to drain directly into the car. The only way to fix the problem is to take the headliner off and reattach the hose. Good luck!