5.0L General Discussion This section is for non-tech specific information pertaining to 5.0L Mustangs.

sunroof repair

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-10-2009, 06:14 PM
  #1  
black_89gt
3rd Gear Member
Thread Starter
 
black_89gt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location:
Posts: 673
Default sunroof repair

My sunroof has been leaking for quite a while now, and i was wondering how i would get it to quit leaking. I have been told it is the drainage tubes from the sunroof and all that I need to do is to clean them out. How would I clean out those tubes, I can get to them, I just dont know how to clean them out. Thanks for the help guys
black_89gt is offline  
Old 10-10-2009, 06:16 PM
  #2  
mattdel
6th Gear Member
 
mattdel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Spfld, MA
Posts: 9,240
Default

compressed air
mattdel is offline  
Old 10-10-2009, 06:47 PM
  #3  
ALMOST STOCK
4th Gear Member
 
ALMOST STOCK's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Calif
Posts: 1,926
Default

Clogged Drain Tubes in the Sun Roof

The factory sunroofs are problem areas for rust or rust through - depending on how well those areas were prepped at the factory and if the drainage tubes are still working properly.

The area below the sunroof (which can only be seen if you remove your headliner) contains the metal outlets for the plastic sunroof drainage tubes. It is common for these outlets to get rust perforation holes before the drainage tube, therefore moisture or water will leak into the interior - usually following the path of least resistance.

Another common issue - the drainage tubes over time will shrink and can/do come off of the outlets to which they are supposed to be attached. Again, this will cause water seepage into the interior.



As stated above Clogged drainage tubes can be cleared w/ compressed air sometimes - however, if severely clogged, you will need to get a coat hanger, straighten out the metal, then use this to "plunge" through the drainage tube, pushing whatever debris out of the way or to the bottom or out of the tubes. Do this to all (4) of them.

The last area of concern is where the (4) drainage tubes exit - at the bottom of the vehicle. The (C) Pillar drainage tubes (at the rear) go from the sunroof down into the rear 1/4 and drain at the bottoms of the rear 1/4 rocker area near the inner wheel well. If the bottom of the rocker has become plugged, even with trying to clear the drainage tube from the top down will not clear the path - you will have to clear it from the bottom. Again, these tubes shrink, so if the tube has shrunken from the bottom of where it exits the rocker, you will still have an interior water issue. If the tubes have shrunk, you will need to get new tubes (you can source out new tubes like factory OR you can go to your local auto parts store and purchase the correct length & diameter rubber hosing for replacement tubes) or try to get the existing tube back into it's proper drain hole in the rocker.

Same holds true for the front (A) Pillar drainage tubes. These go from the sunroof down the L & R side A-pillars at the windshield. They are tucked inside of the inner metal & outer metal pillars and exit at or in the L & R kick panels. Again, these are set up so they drain at the bottom of the rockers or vehicle. If they are plugged at the bottom, you will have to unplug them from the bottom and make sure they are situated properly inside the rocker to drain any water properly.

In order to access the rear drainage tubes - removal of the rear interior plastics is necessary. In order to access the front drainage tubes, removal of the kick panels and passenger side EEC is necessary.

If needing to repair any rust damage BELOW the sunroof, you will have to remove the headliner, which includes removing sun visors, L&R A-pillars, L&R headliner trim above door, rear headliner trim piece at rear window, interior map light, L&R front seat belts behind driver/passenger seats and rear interior 1/4 panel plastics.

One more thing - check in the corners of your sunroof (from above the roof line) and make sure that the metal has not become soft - as these areas can be prone to rust perforation or metal fatigue cracks as well, which would also allow water/moisture into the vehicle.
The drainage tubes are also color coded for front & rear – White tubes for the front and a Light Blue tubes for the rear.
ALMOST STOCK is offline  
Old 10-15-2009, 11:36 AM
  #4  
1ATony
Former Sponsor
 
1ATony's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NH
Posts: 1,714
Default

Originally Posted by black_89gt
My sunroof has been leaking for quite a while now, and i was wondering how i would get it to quit leaking. I have been told it is the drainage tubes from the sunroof and all that I need to do is to clean them out. How would I clean out those tubes, I can get to them, I just dont know how to clean them out. Thanks for the help guys
The first step would be to replace the seals on the glass and body to glass,this will help to keep the water out.

We do have the the glass seals in stock here's a link to them if you need one.

79-93 Mustang Sunroof Glass Seal
1ATony is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
b8checker
Classic Mustangs (Tech)
8
10-08-2015 12:55 PM
b8checker
New Member Area
3
09-30-2015 07:11 AM
2015Ecoboost
New Member Area
3
09-17-2015 01:48 PM
yourmom6990
Archive - Parts For Sale
2
09-14-2015 10:52 PM
rksnow1
Motor Swap Section
0
09-14-2015 08:46 PM



Quick Reply: sunroof repair



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:23 PM.