Thread: Defender roof seal

as posted elsewhere I am having dramas with the roof seal on the Fender.The black rubbery stuff that sticks the roof to the top of the window screen is cracked thru and leaks like a umm, leaky thing.It is only cracked in the corners both sides and if you push on the guttering you can actually see the gap open and close.Am considering a home fix as warranty may not be an option, and may also create further problems if they have to pull the roof, so whats the best solution??TIA

Originally Posted by gromit

Had a similar problem with my Defender ('95)
Front section of headlining had to be removed to get at the large self tapping screws which hold the front corners of the roof to the windscreen surround.
Screws were loose, so.... in with the mastic of your choice, put the self tappers back with a lock washer & plenty of Loctite, tighten screws, wipe off excess mastic then back in with the headlining.
About two months after doing mine I read an article in a LR magazine where someone else had exactly the same problem.....

Best of luck.

This problem is not at all uncommon.

I had my 2003 Xtreme back to dealers for three attempts at rectifying the problem under warranty - finally just before warranty ran out, they sent me to two panel shops, the second of which had had a heap of experience with the problem and seemed to know what he was talking about. He did a very neat job and problem hasn't reoccurred ........................yet. Can't recall his name offhand but he's in the Condell Park area of Sydney.

There are numerous guys in the LROC (Sydney Bch) with similar problems - two whose roof (the aluminium part) developed a crack (about 80mm long in one case) as a result of the front corners becoming loose. Fortunately one had his entire roof replaced under warranty. The other however was unsuccessful under warranty - dealer claimed his roof was overloaded due to two roof top tents being carried permanently. He ended up trading on a Disco 3 and the roof was then replaced before dealer could resell the Xtreme.

Roger