4 Things To Check if Your Jeep Hardtop Is Leaking

Owning an open-air SUV is a unique and exhilarating experience for any individual. However, that fun and excitement are quickly forgotten when annoying complications occur, such as a poorly sealed roof. Read on to learn the four things you should check if your Jeep hardtop is leaking.

Check Rubber Seals

Jeep Wranglers feature multiple rubber seals throughout the cabin that keep the interior dry and clean regardless of weather conditions, provided the hardtop component is attached to the vehicle. When open-air driving, however, these rubber parts get caked with flying mud, dirt, and other debris. Over time, these dirty seals become less effective at creating a liquid-tight enclosure when the roof is on the car. If you notice a leaky hardtop, consider rinsing off any debris attached to your rubber seals.

Verify Hardtop Alignment

Removing and attaching a Jeep Wrangler hardtop piece is pretty tricky without the help of a compatible hoist device. It’s possible to misalign the entire hardtop component during the re-attachment process, which can leave a compromised seal. Hardtops with even minor misalignment are highly susceptible to cabin leakage and other messy complications. Consider removing and re-attaching the roof component again, taking extra care to tighten each and every latch. Or, invest in a hardtop removal device for perfect alignment every single time.

Tighten Bolts

If the leaking persists after cleaning the rubber seals and realigning the hardtop components, it’s time to investigate the bolts. Modern Jeep Wrangler hardtop pieces feature two large bolts toward the front end of the part. When left loose, the bolts can allow leakage into the cabin. Water can enter through the bolt openings, too. Give these bolts a quick tightening to eliminate the most likely entry point for water.

Investigate Other Culprits

Outside water pooling in your Wrangler’s interior doesn’t always indicate an issue with the hardtop components. Removable doors can also cause cabin leakage, especially when the door seals are cluttered with dirt, mud, and other debris. Additionally, the bolts or alignment for one or multiple doors may be incorrect, which could lead to a leak. If no signs of leaking from the roof are obvious, consider investigating other areas of your vehicle to determine the culprit.

Understanding the four things to check when your Jeep hardtop is leaking can help you determine the source of the roof-related issue and implement the proper solutions in a timely, affordable manner. Using a vehicle-compatible Jeep Wrangler TopLift hoist device reduces the risk of your hardtop sustaining damage during the roof removal process that may lead to the above complications. Check out our selection of hardtop removal tools and devices here at TopLift Pros. Our revolutionary hoist system also doubles as a safe and sturdy storage method, whether you’re at home or on the go!