Are you saying you installed the roof rails? Those are the ones that run front to back. Cross bars run side to side between the roof rails. Putting cross bars on the roof rails could put more tension on the roof rails I suppose, but they are there to use.

Basic warranty (without Lifetime Power Train, or supplemental warranty) is 36k/3yr.

Go HERE, put in your info and you can see the warranty details.

 

Seems to me that the roof rails--those that run front to rear--are standard. Cross rails are an option. Help me understand how installing something that simple that is an approved option can cause leaks. Seems to me that there was already a problem and I feel Jeep has an obligation to remedy. Take it to a different dealer--it seems that are are quite a few shysters out there.

 

Sounds like your dealer was treating you as a push over. Play a little more hardball or take your Jeep elsewhere! I don't see how this could possibly be your fault.

 

My rack is installed as TIGHT as I could make them, and I have a basket with a spare in it. No leaks. The Dealer is a Stealer

 

I've hauled all kinds of crazy junk tied to the roof rack with wind whipping it from every direction. The only way the cross bars could cause leaking is if the rails were not correctly installed at the factory.

If they won't honor any kind of warranty, which expires(ed) at 36K, I would pop off the end covers on the roof rails and check the bolts. See if they are tight, if not, tighten them. IT could be one or more bolts are stripped (or loose) and the flexing that occurred when you installed the cross bars caused whatever sealer they use to leak.

If it continues, you will probably need to take the side rails off and re-seal around the mounting bolts.

 

did you have to remove the roof rails to install the cross rails?

 

you didn't cause anything...it was bound to happen. gl with your battle.

 

jepster67 end caps question

I noticed that one of my end caps is slightly up and it will not reseat. Any ideas on how I can get it to reseat or should I have the dealer do it?

 

I noticed that one of my end caps is slightly up and it will not reseat. Any ideas on how I can get it to reseat or should I have the dealer do it?

I have not removed my end caps In more than a year so I don't remember exactly what is involved. Myself, I would pull it off and have a look. But, I'm a fix-it nut. I get great joy out of fixing stuff. If you aren't good with tools and machines, the dealer might be the way to go. The added benefit is that once they fool with it you can insist they need to fix the leak. (if you have the time and patients to force the issue)

 

Very fixable. You need to do the following (or have the dealer do it):

1. Remove the entire headliner (no shortcuts)
2. Remove the crossbars and both roof rack rails (entirely ! - again no shortcuts)
3. You will see six holes in your roof
4. Clean area around holes with damp cloth, followed by rubbing alcohol around the holes
5. Apply silicone sealant on and around holes and onto hardware (around the holes) as you reinstall to create a strong, yet removable seal
6. Since you have everything off you should also inspect the seam welds on the roof to ensure you have no leak issues there (I recommend running a quick bead of silicone along the areas since you have everything apart and the effort is minimal)

If you (or the dealer) complete this you will never have another roof leak via the rack. I strongly recommend plain 100% clear silicone sealant for this application because it seals out water, is resiliant to temperature changes and can be removed with gentle pulling if you ever need to do so.

There are also some tar like products that work excellent, however can be very messy and cannot be removed very easily.

Having some experience if you have leaks check the following in order:

• Sunroof (Dealer service required)
• Rear hatch (Seal around button at top and cable entry points)
• Weatherstripping throughout all 5 doors
• Roof rack
• Roof seams/welds
• Firewall (other entry points)

#1 problem when it comes to leaks is the dealer. It is the type of job that requires them to seriously get off their a@@ and think a bit outside the box.

Hope this helps...

 

Pics from the time I removed my roof rails:

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showpost.php?p=87234&postcount=4

Really don't know why I'm posting this but hope it helps.

 

easy?

So if you take the rails off, like maybe to seal the screws, then what I am reading is the nut is permanant inside the vehicle?

I have not had any leaks yet, but have not actually carried anything up there yet either.

Also, someone should post a picture without the rails, not that I would do it, but would like to see it!

 

no leak

I installed the mopar cross bars on my 07Patriot soon after I purchased the car and fortunately I have no leaks

 

yes I am talking about the cross bars. And 3 year 36000 mile warranty is standard I know but there is also a 6 year 60,000 mile warranty on the body of the vehicle that has to do with corrosion and corrugation. This warranty is never talked about BUT IT IS THERE!!!

I dont have a sunroof but I am thinking of adding an after market one because hell, I allready got leaks cant get any worse.. It jsut really makes me sick that the Jeep dealer in my area is a bunch of Southern ******** who treat me like a dumbass, if there so smart,, why arent they workinat BMW or Volvo??

 

thanks for informing every one about these things it will help many of us

 

My 2014 Pat Lat is leaking from the rear dome light, the one that is a removable flashlight (no sunroof). > How does one go about removing the rails? There is no exposed easy access - can someone explain it - I assume I need to pop off the plastic here and there to get at something I cannot see? Where and how do I begin? And what will I find to remove the rails? The silicon part is the easy part, etc.

 

This thread has come to life again! I'm no expert and haven't had the roof leak, with one possible exception -- once and only once I had some water drip down the inside of my back window. I thought it was from getting wet while the tailgate was open, but it was also one of the few times I've had the crossbars on in the rain. I've never had the problem since, and I'm not entirely sure it was even a leak (my first guess might be right). So there might be a possible link between the crossbars and the leaking.

FYI, I installed my crossbars without the locking pin so I can remove them when not in use. I rarely carry anything on the roof when its raining or snowing so I haven't had a problem with leaks. However, it s easy to imagine that an awkward angle or too much tension from the crossbars could twist the rails enough to break a seal and allow water to enter.

Caveat: since I'm installing my crossbars in a non-recommended way, I'm wary of something coming loose (fortunately nothing ever has come loose). I'm extra careful securing my load and its always tied to the rails, not just the crossbar. Most of what I carry is lumber from the lumberyard or skis -- overall, pretty light loads. The only heavy thing I carry on the roof is our canoe and it fits snuggly between the rails with the crossbars removed. That's the real reason I wanted to be able to remove the crossbars -- they get in the way of the canoe.

 

I've never installed cross bars, but I have used ratchet straps to secure loads to the roof, and mine has only leaked with no loads, in heavy rain, and then just a trickle of water down the inside of the back window. Nothing too serious, though it would be nice to get it fixed sometime.

 

Navyyard. If you start removing roof rails to find a potential leak, you may inadvertently cause more leaks. It's a 2014 right? Should be the dealer's problem and not yours. I know it is a pain to go back and forth to the dealer. My rear dome light water leak was finally fixed after 2 trips to the dealer. They resealed the center drain plug and washer hose grommet the first time. 2nd time they resealed the entire rear hatch along where the roof shelf meets the quarter panels. Nice and dry since.