Driver side air leak
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale AZ
Driver side air leak
My new 2003 Coupe (2nd Vette) has an annoying air leak on the driver side at any speed over 50mph. On the first try, the dealer adjusted window and door which helped, but two weeks later I am again hearing air at the upper left part of the window when viewed from outside. The rubber seal looks ok all around and I can't see any light from inside. I've tried rolling the window up and down and slamming door but nothing works. I know that we all hear things differently, but does anyone else have this problem or do I just live with it? On the other hand I'm installing B&B PRT exhaust and VaraRam air intake, so maybe this leak will be a moot point??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,854
Likes: 1
Re: Driver side air leak (Spoot)
I have a 98 coupe. Mine does it on both sides. I think it may have something to do with the mirrors on mine. I've seen these inserts they sell that you are supposed to fit between the mirror and the car. They don't look so great though. The strange thing is that this all seems to have started when the weather got cooler. I'm going to live with mine for now. My wife thinks I am paranoid about every little noise I hear on the vette. She's right.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale AZ
Re: Driver side air leak (Bob Chapman)
Tks for the tip. I just called the service mgr and left your bulletin number. Today they kinda shrugged their shoulders and said they'd replace the weatherstripping and then I'm on my own. My wife is like jedicowboy's. She says, "Screw the noise, we don't drive with the top on anyway at this time of year in Arizona"! But, of course you Michigan guys know that since there's 80,000 of you down here in the winter enjoying the weather and scenery!! :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
From: Newport Coast, CA USA
Re: Driver side air leak (Spoot)
The tip in on the window probably needs to be adjusted. Do a search, it seems as if this topic has been covered in detail in the past. I believe there are two adjustements that can be made. The tip of the window and also the front to back position of the glass. You also may try pinching the retainer clip at the top of the glass to tighten the seal; however, adjusting the tip is the best bet! Good luck!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 45
From: Marquette MI
Re: Driver side air leak (THENAKEDi)
THENAKEDi is right. Make them adjust the window tip in first. The weather strip is one piece from the bottom of the B pillar across the windshield and down the other B pillar. My dealer wanted to just replace the weather stripping too. The shop Manual Vol 3, 8-1033 tells how to adjust the window tip in. The Manual also advises to adjust the window before replacing weather stripping. I'm going to do battle with my dealer on this in the Spring. The adjustment seems like a no brainer.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale AZ
Re: Driver side air leak (Bob Chapman)
The window was the first thing they adjusted. I showed them a 1/4" scratch on the newly tinted window at the top rear edge of the driver side. At first they said it was from my seatbelt! What a laugh, you'd have to be a contortionist to hit that part of the window with the buckle! Then after playing with the door and adjusting the window, they re-did the tint. At least the guy seems to be honest, if not proficient. As this goes to the third visit I'm beginning to think we have an ingrown problem with these cars which can only be solved by going fast so the window leak is irrelevant!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster CA
Re: Driver side air leak (Spoot)
I'm beginning to think we have an ingrown problem with these cars which can only be solved by going fast so the window leak is irrelevant!
Damn the noise, floor it! :D :cheers:
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 959
Likes: 2
From: Hartford CT
Re: Driver side air leak (Spoot)
I have the same problem on the driver's side window - air leak sound above about 50 mph.
I'm afraid to bring it to the dealer.
I've tried some of the home fixes - nothing worked yet.
I'm afraid to bring it to the dealer.
I've tried some of the home fixes - nothing worked yet.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 25,337
Likes: 221
From: Frisco, TX
Re: Driver side air leak (Spoot)
My 2001 did the same thing. Many here posted all sorts of helpful comments, but sadly they make you realize that the leak can come from many areas. I tried 2 dealers a total of 4 times, and they finally got it right -- in my case, it was a changed weatherstrip that sealed the deal (pun intended :D).
The great news is, the rest of the car is so darn fun that you most likely will be willing to forgive these types of matters. :seeya
The great news is, the rest of the car is so darn fun that you most likely will be willing to forgive these types of matters. :seeya
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale AZ
Re: Driver side air leak (p0rtmonkey)
I think my leak doesn't matter any more. I drove to the B&B factory yesterday (beautiful facility) and had the PRT's with new ellipitcal tips put on at a muffler shop. On the way home on the Loop 101 I let her rip and the sound is awesome! Might be my imagination, but the pickup seemed a bit quicker, too. When idling, they burble like a Vette should and when WOT they scream. What window leak??
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 45
From: Marquette MI
Re: Driver side air leak (Spoot)
I like your attitude- my old 5.0 Mustang had all kinds of air leaks/noise but about all I could do was turn up the tunes. Just remember that the Vette is a $50,000 car and should be the way you want it.
