Thread: Water in my roof lining

Do you think the leak is from the roof or does it seem to start from dash height?

If dash height, then it could be a few things:
Vent seals
Windscreen frame bracket gaskets
Windscreen frame to firewall seal

If roof height, it could be from anywhere. Check the door seals first but if they're OK, you'll need to drop the headlining to trace it properly.

Hey Scouse, definitely dripping from the roof lining. You are probably right that I need to drop it out :-(

Originally Posted by markusr

I KNOW they are supposed to leak but surely it can't be that hard to stop it???

I have a d90 which will gather water in the internal roof gutter after heavy rain. It likes to cascade down the front windscreen pillars when you brake or head down hill.

I still have this problem even after
- replaced front windscreen seal
- new door seals all round
- new windscreen to roof seal
- new side panel to roof seals.
- silicon sealing all joins on the outside of the roof and in the gutters

Mines a 1989 and has the vents on the back of the roof so I will be taking those out next.

Hope you have better luck with yours!

Just solved mine recently. I'd sealed up ALL (every mm)the roof seams with Sikaflex 221 sealant and around the alpine windows and it still leaked. Then I did a serious job of sealing the ALL (again every mm including up and over the back door) the gutters and hey presto! no more leaks. The gutter is one continuous piece from external to internal and the roof is fixed to the centre of it. I suspect it is only spot welded or stitch welded so relies on the external sealant to keep the inside dry. Try the gutters before wasting time taking out the lining. My lining was out for a year before I found my leaks.
cheers Gerald

Google "Defender Water Ingress Manual" - there's a whole book written about it!

Washed the Puma yesterday, there was water inside afterwards...

Wow. Thanks guys. I guess it's good that I'm not alone with this problem. I'll google the water ingress thing and try some adjustments.

Matey, you're never alone when you drive a Defender!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

That's why the floor isnt one piece, it lets the water out!
Whilst driving my Series 3 I stopped at the servo to fill up and clean the windscreens, One guy said to me its the only time he has ever seen anyone use the squeegee to clean the inside of the screen.