Causes of Truck Cabin Leaks
Getting water into the cab can be more than just a nuisance, as a leak can cause damage to the vehicle itself. If left unchecked, water causes mold and mildew to form on and under the plinth, causing rust on the floor and other components. If this water gets into the electrical system, it can cause a short circuit and other damage.
Choirul Anam, Head of the Minang Putra Workshop, explained that cabin leaks can be very difficult to find. “Often the appearance of water in the car is not close to where the water enters. Water can enter the vehicle and flow through gaps in the body or interior before finally being seen at the puddle point.
Many processes to find leaks. It's important to start by checking where the water is coming from. “Determine whether the water is only there when it rains lightly or only when it rains heavily. Also check if the leak appears when the truck is running or the truck is parked," he added.
Leaks usually leave a mark. Like a wet floor or carpet. Many leaks cause the water to become cloudy which is the residue left behind. Another indicator is rust on the inside of the cabin. Rust will not appear unless the inside of the vehicle is wet. The more information you know about when the cab started leaking and under what conditions it leaked, the easier it will be to pinpoint exactly what caused it.
Cause of Leak
Many factors can cause leaks in the cab of a truck. Some are due to the age of the vehicle, and others are due to imperfect repairs, such as an improperly installed aftermarket windshield or the addition of aftermarket accessories.
Windshield
If the windshield was recently replaced, this could be the most likely cause. Proper windshield replacement is a lengthy process. “If the order is used carelessly, the glass is not installed properly. Because liquid urethane takes time to dry, trucks should not be driven for several hours after the windshield is installed. Do not use silicone to seal a leaking windshield joint, because it will affect the performance of the sealant," he explained.
door seal
The second most likely area is in the door seal. If the rubber starts to harden, it's a sign that the rubber is drying, and it could crack. In addition, door seals can tear and become a way for water to enter the cabin. Another problem is the repair of the door after the accident. Several accidents caused the body and frame of the vehicle to warp. Although the body repair shop has tried to make the door look like new, there are some corners that are dented and can't be restored to perfection. This can leave gaps in the door rubber that are not visible.
Accessories
If the leak occurs after installing a new accessory on the outside of the vehicle, the installation is most likely the cause. If the hole is not closed properly, water may seep into it.
Corrosion
Some truck cab models have a tendency to rust on the windshield and windows. For this repair, the glass must be removed. Remove any visible rust, make sure it is also finely sanded and repainted.
Finding the cause of the leak in the truck cabin is not easy because the water inlet may not be where the water is visible. It may be necessary to remove the interior trim panels to check access to the body and see where the leak is coming from.