Water inside the freedom top panels?
#11
I had the same issue when I got my '08.
You're probably over-tightening the big screws at the back of the panels. If you over-tighten them you close off the gasket's "channel" that water is supposed to run down and out the sides... Since it can't flow out, it backs up, eventually goes into the vent holes in the freedom panels and begins filling them.
Just tighten them until they make firm contact then give them an extra 1/4 turn to snug up.
You're probably over-tightening the big screws at the back of the panels. If you over-tighten them you close off the gasket's "channel" that water is supposed to run down and out the sides... Since it can't flow out, it backs up, eventually goes into the vent holes in the freedom panels and begins filling them.
Just tighten them until they make firm contact then give them an extra 1/4 turn to snug up.
#12
I still have this problem after heavy rains, drivers side only. I just take it off and drain it, but this last time I covered up the weep hole with electrical tape, then put a small slice into that. We'll see if that helps.
#13
that didnt help, and water would leak into the cabin. Distracting when Im driving and water drips on the steering wheel. I took it into the dealer and they had the water leak expert look at it. turns out they are going to replace the entire panel.
#14
JK Super Freak
Join Date: Jun 2010
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My 08 only takes in water when the hand screws are under tightened never when overtightned. There is a sweet spot between over and undertightening the screws if they are too loose they take in water if the are too tight the panels creak. Getting water out is easy just keep tilting the panels until all of the water runs out and they will be fine.
#15
I got the new panel installed today. yes, the deal said because it was a warranty claim, they had to install the drivers side freedom roof panel. Took only 45 minutes. We'll see if that fixes it.
#16
Interesting thread... I take my Jeep to a touchless carwash so I figured I didn't have any leaking top issue but yester we had one of those texas down pours in the afternoon and the jeep was parked outside.
When I left work for the day and drove around I could hear sloshing in my freedom panel and water started leaking all over the passanger seat. I pulled over took the tops out and let them drain out... I do tightnen my panels pretty good b/c I am always dealing with the panels rattling and poping so I'll try till the next rain storm but if it happens again I might see if the dealership can look at it.
one more jeep thing I guess.
When I left work for the day and drove around I could hear sloshing in my freedom panel and water started leaking all over the passanger seat. I pulled over took the tops out and let them drain out... I do tightnen my panels pretty good b/c I am always dealing with the panels rattling and poping so I'll try till the next rain storm but if it happens again I might see if the dealership can look at it.
one more jeep thing I guess.
#17
JK Super Freak
I just leave those screws out, put them in only for a few months in winter to cut down on the creaking of the panels when they are cold.
I think those screws cause more problems than they are worth, and the top is not going anywhere without them.
Have never had water in the panels, or leaks inside the Jeep.
I think those screws cause more problems than they are worth, and the top is not going anywhere without them.
Have never had water in the panels, or leaks inside the Jeep.
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Martial (06-24-2020)
#19
JK Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2012
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water in freedom panel
So one of my Freedom top panels had water in it, I discovered this after hearing a wooshing sound while driving for a few days, At first I thought maybe a leak into the sound bar, but as taking the panels off, sure enough the passenger side had water in it..
So my question being anyone else have this? Are they designed like that? Should this be a warranty issue it's a 2010
So my question being anyone else have this? Are they designed like that? Should this be a warranty issue it's a 2010
i had the same problem in my 2011 sport. I had taken the top off and it began to ran so i rushed the top back on . In the process the seal had wore off and was sticking threw the middle of the panels. then the water problem. slight leak because i didnt put the top on correctly. so i hung the panel up let it dry, resealed the top, fixed the problem. have no clue how the water got in but the seal is the key. make sure that you seal the tops of and there are no gaps will prevent the water issue. well this is what i did , its worked so far. hope this helps
#20
JK Newbie
I had the same issue when I got my '08.
You're probably over-tightening the big screws at the back of the panels. If you over-tighten them you close off the gasket's "channel" that water is supposed to run down and out the sides... Since it can't flow out, it backs up, eventually goes into the vent holes in the freedom panels and begins filling them.
Just tighten them until they make firm contact then give them an extra 1/4 turn to snug up.
You're probably over-tightening the big screws at the back of the panels. If you over-tighten them you close off the gasket's "channel" that water is supposed to run down and out the sides... Since it can't flow out, it backs up, eventually goes into the vent holes in the freedom panels and begins filling them.
Just tighten them until they make firm contact then give them an extra 1/4 turn to snug up.