Subarus are versatile cars used by outdoor enthusiasts and savvy commuters. These rugged cars can usually withstand quite a bit of rough-and-tough handling. However, Subarus have been plagued with a leaking issue with their roof racks, and in some cases, water seeped into the cabin.
Main Reason Behind the Roof Rack Leak
Roof rack leaks can occur in any car but here are the top reasons for it to occur in your Subaru:
- Seals and Gaskets: Quite often, the reason for the leak is damaged seals and gaskets around the rack’s mounting points. It is normal for the seals and gaskets to degrade over time.
- Weather and Environment: You’ll notice the leaks occur around the screws that hold the rack to the roof. As the caulking degrades, the seals fail. The stress from carrying heavy loads and corrosion due to weather and environment eventually cause the different parts to fail.
What to Do if You Notice a Roof Rack Leak?
- Inspection: Check the seals and gaskets for wear and tear. Inspect the mounting points of the rack. In fact, even when your roof rack is not leaking you should make a regular habit of checking the joints, seals, and gaskets.
- Roof Rail Nuts: You need to carefully examine the attachment joints of the roof rack. Make sure the bolts and fasteners are secured properly. You may even want to replace the original rail nuts. Different types of nuts are available. Please ask us which one is best for your car.
- Create a Better Seal: You may opt to remove the original washers by taking out each nut and installing an oversized rubber washer. This could create a better seal. If you have questions about this, ask us because the incorrect item or improper installation will cause more problems.
- Use Sealants: Using a sealant might be a good idea. Once again, it is important to know which type is best for your vehicle.
- Improper Installation: Quite often roof racks are installed incorrectly. There is nothing wrong in a DIY (do it yourself) project. Just make sure you know what you’re doing. We see this quite often, where someone who is not experienced in the process will install these roof racks, and eventually they will encounter problems.
- Factory Defect: If your Subaru came pre-installed with the roof rack from the factory, or you had the dealer install it for you, and yet you’re having leaking issues, you’re in luck. Under these circumstances, usually your warranty will cover the repair. But ask!
Seeking Professional Mechanics to Help
It is understandable that you may not be comfortable doing these inspections and repairs yourself. It is most likely that you don’t have the correct tools to work with. It is always a good idea to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic who can take a look at your vehicle for you. Usually, reputable garages will even give you some form of warranty or at least peace of mind, where you can go back to them if the problem continues.
- Diagnosis: If the leak results in water entering the cabin of your car, a professional mechanic will investigate to determine the exact source of the leak. They may have to remove the interior trim panels or the headliner for access. They will certainly check the mounting bolts of the roof rack and its surrounding area.
- Repair: The repair process begins after your mechanic has thoroughly examined your vehicle and is sure of the origin of the leak. There could be more than one component involved that is defective. In general, they will remove the roof rack and repair the mounting points. They will also use an automotive gasket sealer because it is the better option.
Regular Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you put your car on a regular maintenance schedule. When problems are caught early, we can address them more easily, and you can save yourself from stress and expense. We can easily catch a roof rack leakage during regular maintenance and save you from expensive water damage to the cabin of your car.
Visit Our Expert Mechanics
At Dieter’s Porsche & BMW Service, we work on more than European cars. We are experts on several different types of imported vehicles. Please call us or book an appointment to visit us. We are in Chula Vista, Coronado, Mission Valley, Point Loma, and San Diego, California.
* Subaru XV Car image credit goes to: teddyleung.
