GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Water Leak Repair

Some waterleaks around the glass can be repaired without removing the glass.

Important: This type of repair may be used only for the urethane-installed glass.

  1. Remove the reveal molding in the area of the leak. It may be necessary to remove the garnish molding or the trim strip lace in order to locate the leak.
  2. While spraying water over the leak area, carefully push the glass outward in order to determine the size of the leak.
  3. Mark the location of the leak.
  4. Use water to clean any dirt from the area. Dry the area with an air hose.
  5. Using a sharp knife, trim off the uneven edges of the adhesive caulking material around the leak for a distance of 75-100 mm (3-4 in) on both sides of the leak.

  6. Object Number: 639653  Size: SH
  7. Using a sharp knife, trim off the uneven edges of the adhesive material around the leak 75-100 mm (3-4 in) on both sides of the leak.

  8. Object Number: 639652  Size: SH
  9. Prime the trimmed area with the primer.
  10. Allow the primer to dry for 5 minutes.
  11. Apply the adhesive over the leak and for a distance of 75 to 100 mm (3 to 4 inches) on both sides of the leak.
  12. Immediately after applying the adhesive, use a flat stick or a similar tool to work the adhesive into the leak area and into the joint between the original material and the vehicle body in order ensure a watertight seal.
  13. Spray warm or hot water over the repaired area in order to determine if the leak was repaired. Do not run a heavy stream of water directly on the freshly applied adhesive.
  14. Install the trim strip lace if it was removed.
  15. Install the garnish molding if it was removed.
  16. Important: After the completion of any waterleak repair, re-test the area using the watertest stands. Do not use localized testing procedures on the newly-repaired areas, as the repair material may dislodge under abnormal pressure. Refer to Waterleak Test Preparation .

  17. Install the reveal molding.