2024 and 2025 Bronco Hard Top Roof Leaks

[CaliRaptor7201]

I've had very good results with this stuff on a variety of jobs, particularly with seals/weatherstrips/etc.. Wipes on very clean, no sticky residue. I wiped it on every seal/weatherstrip I could find....it's a lot! All the front top seals, door & window seals, tailgate seals, and the rear top seals.

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-92003-Lubricating-Translucent/dp/B0081JE0OO/ref=sr_1_1_pp?adgrpid=1343603779592284&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JmaEDpW936ydyoS2ZSd4w4vL2j_nbzm7UMYYfaqgQ3IkzibjUUGjCV9YbcWn-XLhpTymACTWMhIkttLNAj2fkMHEmcFdWaQ07tkPRQtvh6Fkbqts32_G-sNbOAHLUzOxI0HzpdkeNm8NK_mD3E-sgnHNBGKIRc-fhA8-i6xfq7hJvnLR_58biEJD1KE8gZpuZiStnUopmFNfmwubhg8cUKcqpnmyzrNOWoKrKUi2MYc.S3oQ83x4Ott_JYCBJbLqM8OZZiEBh0YwTvzTobcHZQk&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83975484588481&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=91490&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83975592367658:loc-190&hydadcr=6400_13218859&keywords=super+lube+silicone+grease&mcid=d66dd23dbdcc3061b0f9d764749d16f4&msclkid=ec9487b2c676166b5733ef6b7058710f&qid=1759098554&sr=8-1&th=1

Where do I put it? On the rubber gaskets? Do I put it on a rag and whip it on then or on my finger?

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[DALOLA]

Where do I put it? On the rubber gaskets? Do I put it on a rag and whip it on then or on my finger?

Put it on the surface of every seal/weatherstrip/rubber you can find! Use an old rag, and put a pea sized blob on the rag, smear it around a bit, then wipe it on the seal, work it in, until the seal is clean & dry. Repeat the process....it will take a while! (if the seals are dirty, wipe them off first with a damp microfiber cloth, then apply the silicon.)

 

[GA2Dr]

I never had a leak with the factory MIC top. When I first installed my Sunrider I had a few drips on the driver's seat from the A-pillar the first time I washed it. I messed with the seals a bit and added a bit of weather stripping and happy to report not a drop since. Have had the sun rider on year round for more than a year now.

 

[RixTrax]

My Bronco is still at the dealership (they have been diagnosing it for a week now) so I'm hoping they will find the issue. If the leak continues, I suppose I could look to the Armadillo top as the vendor tells me they resolved any and all leaks and wind intrusion noise on their top. It's a bit of an investment, plus I'd have to sell my painted top. I love the Bronco, but this leak thing...

 

[BroncoAgain]

I have been thinking of a new bronco in '26 but looking for the issues is easy. Roof leaks and noise, transmission, side windows, ... I think I'll just keep my Gladiator. But I do love the Bronco new fender design.

 

[CalvinT]

Remember, people who are happy seldom make much noise. The same thing happens on Gladiator and Wrangler forums.

It's like negative reviews on Amazon. There are no products without negative reviews.

 

[RixTrax]

Quick update on this. The dealer was "unable to duplicate" the leak, which I thought was odd since I can do it every time I wash it. Each time its leaked, the Bronco was in the driveway, which is a slope upwards (so nose upwards in my case when in the driveway). I decided to do a little experiment. When I brought it home, I parked on the street, which is level, then heavily rinsed it with the garden hose. No leaks. I then parked it in the driveway and repeated the test and sure enough, water leaking on the top airbag plastic cover seam. Since the water is running towards the rear of the vehicle due to gravity on the incline of my driveway, it would be doing the same thing while driving in the rain. This suggests why the dealer isn't replicating the leak, because they using a water hose on a flat surface. I'll pass this along to the dealership and see what they suggest, if anything.

 

[GA2Dr]

Interesting you say that because the one time I had the same leak it was also when I washed it in my driveway, which is inclined. I have since washed it a bunch in my driveway without leaks but it sounds like you're on to something there with the incline.

 

[ManuelNY]

Took my 1,800 miles new 2025 2 door Badlands with body painted hardtop to the dealer for a leak right under the passenger side, under the left side door pilar. We will see what happens. Disapointing to say the least.

 

[RixTrax]

Took my 1,800 miles new 2025 2 door Badlands with body painted hardtop to the dealer for a leak right under the passenger side, under the left side door pilar. We will see what happens. Disapointing to say the least.

Clearly I'm not alone in this. I tried talking to three dealers now on this issue. My current dealer is ordering a new header seal. However, some posters here have suggested that the five bolts that fasten the header seal to the window frame (seen from above in the channel) left the factory without nuts and therefore, while the bolts are present, they are not tight in any way. I tested mine by place a socket on each one and seeing if they would freely turn. There some slight resistance at first (likely the sealant getting on the threads) but I can turn them with just my fingertips. I suspect the service tech may find mine doesn't have the nuts installed either, but I'm not sure if its that or just that these are not meant to be tight because they are clamping down on rubber. I don't want to mess with it further and want to leave it to the service department, so we'll see.

However, for entertainment value at least, I explained my situation to another dealership service department. Particularly, the fact that parking on the inclined driveway was a way to manifest the leak. I was told... "So don't park in the driveway". Seriously, this was their answer. I asked if they were making a joke and they said they were not. That there must be something particular about the angle of my driveway causing the problem. =/

Anyway, I will keep everyone posted, in case it's helpful for others.

 

[CitrusBronco]

‘24 Everglades has been leak free in FL no matter the rain amount while driving.
I think you found the issue with the incline while washing. sucks you have this issue and I hope the dealer has a solution for you. If not I bet you could diagnose it further from here and resolve it with beefing up the gasket material. Don’t get discouraged a solution exists.

 

[RixTrax]

‘24 Everglades has been leak free in FL no matter the rain amount while driving.
I think you found the issue with the incline while washing. sucks you have this issue and I hope the dealer has a solution for you. If not I bet you could diagnose it further from here and resolve it with beefing up the gasket material. Don’t get discouraged a solution exists.

Yeah, it leaks on an incline and also while driving in the rain. Stop and go, left and right turns. If its flat and not moving, no leaks (which I confirmed is what was done to test for the leak at the dealer, so likely why they couldn't replicate it.). I have a suspicion that at least in my case, when they go to replace that seal, they are going to find there are no nuts under those bolts. That would be good news, actually, as its a simple fix. Install the nuts and tighten to spec, as designed, rather than it being a design flaw. I want to believe that most people are like you and don't have a leak, which points to the fact that a leakless Bronco is not a unicorn.

 

[GoHawks63]

2024 WildTrak purchased in January and haven't had any leaks. It's been through heavy downpours, and I use a power washer when I clean it (not very close though to the top). No leaks ever, but admittedly it has never been on an incline during those times.

I have removed the front panels twice and the middle panel. Each time before reinstalling the panels, I wipe down the seals and apply 303 Protectant on those seals.

No wind noise and no leaks.

However, opening the driver side door during or just after a hard rain does result in a stream of water coming down and often times wetting my left leg, but I don't think there's anything I can do about that. It's probably just a by-product of the frameless windows.

 

[CitrusBronco]

Yeah, it leaks on an incline and also while driving in the rain. Stop and go, left and right turns. If its flat and not moving, no leaks (which I confirmed is what was done to test for the leak at the dealer, so likely why they couldn't replicate it.). I have a suspicion that at least in my case, when they go to replace that seal, they are going to find there are no nuts under those bolts. That would be good news, actually, as its a simple fix. Install the nuts and tighten to spec, as designed, rather than it being a design flaw. I want to believe that most people are like you and don't have a leak, which points to the fact that a leakless Bronco is not a unicorn.

I did not realize you also had it leak while driving, damn how could you possibly get so unlucky with this. I feel for you.
Good news is, leak free Broncos do exist.

 

[FourHorses]

My 24 MIC leaked here, and I had to re-seat the weather stripping and all has been well.

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