Water Leak/Wind Noise Diagnosis And Repair; Spray Test; Ultrasonic Test; Light Test - Jeep 1979 CJ-5 Technical & Service Manual

3A-1
Exterior Wind Noises
Interior Wind Noises
Page
General
3A-1
later in Cargo Area 31-7
Water off Headliner 3A-5
P i l l
Water in Front Passenger Compartment 3A-2
Water on Front or Rear Seats 3A-4
Water in Rear Passenger Compartment 3A-6
GENERAL
The problem of water leaks is closely related to dust
leakage due to the fact that, under certain conditions,
water can enter the vehicle body at any point where dirt
and dust can enter.
The key to correcting any water leak problem is com-
plete and accurate diagnosis. To do this a thorough
check of the following five general causes of leakage
must be accomplished:
• Maladjusted components
• I m p r o p e r l y i n s t a l l e d , m i s r o u t e d or f a u l t y
weatherstrips
• Omission of sealers
• Misfitted panels
• Missing body plugs
Leaks can be deceiving. The point where water is
detected may not be the point where it entered the
vehicle.
Spraf list
The first thing to do on any water leak problem, is to
pin-point the leak. The best way to do this is to perform
a water spray test.
Sit inside the vehicle and have someone spray water
over the suspected leak area. Always start spraying
along the bottom. By starting at the bottom, the exact
level at which the leaks occur will be determined. If
water was sprayed at the highest point, water would be
at all suspect areas and it would be difficult to deter-
mine the exact problem area.
Do not rush the water spray test. The water may have
to flow awhile before it shows up. Try to simulate as
close as possible the effect of wind-driven water.
Ultrasonic Test
Another way to test the vehicle for water leaks is use
the Listener Tool J-23455-01. This tool makes use of the
fact that ultrasonic energy (high frequency sound) has
certain properties that are similar to those of fluids
(liquids and gases). Ultrasonic energy does not penetrate .
solids, such as glass or metal. It is, however, transmitted •
through cracks and openings, such as those that cause
body, water, or air leaks.
An operating ultrasonic generator placed inside an
• automotive body will fill the vehicle with sound energy.
This energy will leak at the same locations that permit
water and air leaks. The water path or opening must be
dry since the ultrasonic sound will be blocked if an
opening or hole is full of water.
An ultrasonic generator and detector gun form an
ideal combination for determining the location and mag- '
nitude of water and air leaks. The ultrasonic leak detec- .
tor can be used effectively as a diagnostic tool realizing
it is not an exact tool and has certain limitations.
Light Test
Another method of finding water leaks is the light
test. This method is good for finding sealer skips in the
sheet metal joints and seams, particularly in the wheel-
house area. Sit inside the vehicle and have someone pass