Leaking Hardtop?

[LibertasJeep]

I have a 2018 JL with the black factory freedom top hardtop. For some reason - intermittently - when I take off and replace my freedom panels, the passenger side must not be seating correctly because it ends up dripping down the passenger armrest when it rains. If I remove the panels and then replace them again (passenger side first) it will often fix the problem. BUT I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM DOING DIFFERENTLY. It does not happen on the driver's side. And it doesn't seem to happen until I start driving.

For example, it was a beautiful weekend, so I had the panels off. I put them back Sunday afternoon (passenger first - everything seemingly properly latched down). It rained like crazy last night while the car was in the driveway - still drizzling this morning when I went to work. When I got in, the car was dry as a bone. As I started driving, it started dripping in the passenger side onto the passenger armrest. Nobody had even opened the passenger door - and, yes, I checked and the door was fully closed.

I have had this happen before, and simply removing and putting the panels back fixed it. I tried that again when I got to the office. Time will tell if I fixed it this time. But even if I did, I have no idea what I did differently.

Does anyone know if there is a magic seal somewhere that has to be aligned in some secret way to make it watertight? I cannot understand why it seems a 50/50 proposition if replacing the panels will be watertight.

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[Columbus104]

They should be create a good seal, and the freedom panels are more-or-less foolproof. My guess is that a seal has come loose or fallen off on the passenger side. I would take it to the dealership and try to get it covered by the 3-yr warranty.

 

[HiJinx69]

Look at the 5:55 mark. This may help.

 

[JeepCares]

I have a 2018 JL with the black factory freedom top hardtop. For some reason - intermittently - when I take off and replace my freedom panels, the passenger side must not be seating correctly because it ends up dripping down the passenger armrest when it rains. If I remove the panels and then replace them again (passenger side first) it will often fix the problem. BUT I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM DOING DIFFERENTLY. It does not happen on the driver's side. And it doesn't seem to happen until I start driving.

For example, it was a beautiful weekend, so I had the panels off. I put them back Sunday afternoon (passenger first - everything seemingly properly latched down). It rained like crazy last night while the car was in the driveway - still drizzling this morning when I went to work. When I got in, the car was dry as a bone. As I started driving, it started dripping in the passenger side onto the passenger armrest. Nobody had even opened the passenger door - and, yes, I checked and the door was fully closed.

I have had this happen before, and simply removing and putting the panels back fixed it. I tried that again when I got to the office. Time will tell if I fixed it this time. But even if I did, I have no idea what I did differently.

Does anyone know if there is a magic seal somewhere that has to be aligned in some secret way to make it watertight? I cannot understand why it seems a 50/50 proposition if replacing the panels will be watertight.

Hi LibertasJeep,
We understand why this may be concerning. We suggest having your dealer inspect this concern if you have not done so already. We are also available via private message if you would like any additional assistance during that process.
Lydia
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[hunter77665]

Did they find solution? Mine is in shop for exact same problem

 

[JeepCares]

Did they find solution? Mine is in shop for exact same problem

Are you working with an authorized dealership? If yes, we are happy to connect you with a case specialist so they can provide an extra layer of assistance while your Jeep is in for service. Feel free to send us a private message if you'd like to discuss further.

Kaitlin
Jeep Cares

 

[LibertasJeep]

Resurrecting this old thread. I brought this in a year ago and had the top seals replaced under warranty. The part number replaced was 68368922-AE and was called "Seal Hard 23043024". Anyway, it seems to have fixed the problem and - to be honest - scared me away from ever removing the freedom top panels. Thus, I can confirm, I have not removed the top panels since they fixed the leaking hardtop a year ago. The top levers are all tight and closed. This morning, I went out to the car after a hard rain and the side of teh passenger seat was soaked again. It is leaking again.

My question - although my warranty has now expired, would Jeep cover this fix since it was a problem within the warranty period and has failed again?

Thanks.

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