1995 2dr Tracker Door Frame problem.

[craigomn]

I have a 95 2dr (2wd) Tracker.

The problem is with the driver's side door frame.

Specifically the window frame.

Here is what I see:
When the Tracker sits in the driveway, and it rains, the outer weatherstrip leaks.
So I bought aftermarket weatherstrip to piggy-back to the original. I don't know if it leaks, but I do know it makes the top of the door bow out when I close it. That can't be good.

I also notice that when I'm at highway speeds, the upper-forward corner of the window frame pushes out from the inside. This only happens with the window totally up. I think it may be a cabin-pressure-thing. It separates so far that I can see light through the crack.

My questions are as follows:
1. Should I just replace the OEM door seal? If so, does anyone know a good supplier?

2. Should I "adjust" the top of the door frame back into place? I would hate to try that, and wind up needing a new door!

3. Has anyone put a aftermarket seal around the body, so it meets the door seal? How did it work out?

I am really at a loss here. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Craig

[deeznutts77]

my 4door did that on driver door also, so i ment to wal-mart and got some weather stripping. i put it on the truck it self, where the door weather stripping hits, works perfect. the top of the door bulges out little but no big deal but i think its from previous owner backin with the door open and bending it

[craigomn]

Thanks. I'll try that tonight.

Craig

[the flying scotsman]

I bought the outer weatherstrip for both doors from Southwest-fits perfectly.

[fuzzy1]

Mine does the same thing, & yeah it seems the window frame is sorta wimpy. At the rear weld joint it looks like theres a small stress crack in it where it joins the door. I glued a 7/32 4' long piece of vacuum tube into the crotch of the seal to try & give it more 'pinch', dunno if it will work yet or not. Just a stopgap hoping it won't leak. I'll prolly get a new doorseal soon. Not sure yet if the weld joints will need attn, if so I'm guessing it could be welded 'in' a little to help pinch the seal better.

Fuzz

[craigomn]

I went to the local Ace Hardware store and found 1/8" x 3/8" x 10' Closed Cell Rubber Weatherstrip. I am going to place it on the truck frame where the door weatherstrip meets the truck frame. If I need more thickness, I will piggy-back a couple strips.

I'll let everyone know how it goes. It may take a day or two to get to it.

Better Git-R-Done before the next rainfall!

[HotTommy]

Keep me posted. I have seen a similar problem on my 89 Tracker.

[craigomn]

Originally Posted by craigomn

I went to the local Ace Hardware store and found 1/8" x 3/8" x 10' Closed Cell Rubber Weatherstrip. I am going to place it on the truck frame where the door weatherstrip meets the truck frame. If I need more thickness, I will piggy-back a couple strips.

I'll let everyone know how it goes. It may take a day or two to get to it.

Better Git-R-Done before the next rainfall!

UPDATE:

Last night I did a couple different things:

1. Tore out all the old (leaking) foam weatherstripping that was added by the previous owner.

2. Cleaned all the sticky residue from the old foam by using Oops Amazing Remover (from the local ACE Hardware).

3. Cleaned the site with Isopropyl alcohol to remove all the Oops. (This is important or the new weatherstrip will not stick)

4. Laid the new weatherstrip on the truck frame where the door weatherstrip meets the frame. Take your time and get it straight.

5. I took it for a test drive and was hearing some wind noise from the upper forward corner of the window.

6. I opened the door and used a piece of wood to brace the door open, then I applied pressure to the upper forward corner of the window frame. Make sure your window is TOTALLY down when you do this. (FINESSE is the key word here) You may have to do this a couple times to get it right.**

7. I took it for another test drive and there was even less wind noise.

8. After the test drive, I filled a 2-ltr bottle with water and poured it along the top edge of the door frame. VOILA!!!! No leaks!

I guess the true test will be when it rains today. I will post results later tonight.

I will get the exact name and size of the weatherstrip that I bought.



** You know you have it right when the front edge of the door frame seats inside the "lip" of the A-pillar. Go slow and make sure it seats right. Once it seats right, you'll notice less expansion/vibration of the door frame at highway speeds.

[craigomn]

Success!

It rained all day yesterday and the door frame didn't leak a single drop.

Here is the weatherstrip that I used:

Ace Hardware Narrow Gap Rubber Tape - Open Cell #51275
1/4 in. x 3/8 in. x 10 ft.

Make sure you clean the surface COMPLETELY or the strip won't stick like it should.

I have attached a couple pictures to show my door frames. I ran the strip from the bottom of the A-pillar, around the top of the body, where the top of the door meets the frame, then down the side of the body to about where the outer door handles are.

[HotTommy]

I'm pleased everything turned out well for you. Just in case anyone else finds this thread in the future, I'd like to add that I the local Suzuki dealer can also provide replacement weatherstrip for the entire perimeter of the door. Unfortunately, it is currently about $105 per door.