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Looking for help with water leak site

W

web guy

New Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2004
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2
Hello, I am the webmaster for GMProblems.com, a website designed to raise awareness about the problems with GM cars and trucks, including Avalanche cabin water leaks. By raising awareness of the water leak problems we hope to force GM to acknowledge the situation, and bring satisfaction to consumers.

If you have experienced or are currently experiencing problems with water leaks, we would like to hear from you. We are looking for information (including stories or pictures) from consumers for possible inclusion on the website. By sharing the experiences that you've had with the water leaks, you will assist us in helping the 1000's of consumers who are suffering from problems exactly like yours. Please take some time to visit the website and share your story with us.
 
While there have been a few members who have complained of these water leaks, for the most part members do not have them! I remember 2 or 3 that had their Avalanche bought back under a lemon law for water leaks, but there are over 9,000 members here and its rare to hear of a leak into the cabin.

Butch
 
First: I think you provide a valuable service.

Second: I think your misguided on the problem you are asking about. Let me explain.

It is known that a small percentage of Avalanche's largely among early product 2002 models had water leak issues. Heavy empahsis on had. The nature of these leaks were caused by:

1) A bad weld in the rear fender well (a TSB item with fix).

2) Improper installation of the dealer installed roof rack (now installed at the factory and a number of TSB's on)

3) Clogged water management system (covered in owners manual)

4) A very small number of vehicles that had improper water management system installation.

5) Cracks around the removable rear window trim (also covered in TSB).

As noted above a couple of Avalanches have been returned under Lemon Laws and mediated settlements for serious water leaks. Some owners have had to have hard panels and/or Midgates reinstalled and replaced. The largest source of water leaks on the Avalanche is due to user error.

1) Not following procedure on installing the hard cargo panels correctly.

2) Not slamming the Midgate hard enough to insure a proper fit (a VERY common error).

3) Not cleaning and inspecting the Water Management System and drains.

4) Improper installation of the removable back glass and/or not putting both latches in place.

Heck, I once closed one of seat belts into the Midgate seal and didn't realize it until I had a backseat passenger.

===========================================

If you're looking for members to complain to GM about specific Avalanche issues I think you'll have far more luck with grumbling on the non-existent parking brake, that is rendered ineffective and has corrosion problems. This is a bigger issue and expensive to repair $175 to $250. I think you'll find more folks willing to line up on those issues.

As a matter of fact I'll take it a step further. You send us your water leak people and I'll bet we can make 99% of them happy and provide them very simple solutions to make those leaks go completely away. In return I'm willing to bet you'll find at least 2% of our entire member base ready to scream about emergency brake problems on the Avalanche (and their cousins).
 
I agree with Chief, but probably the problem complained about the most here is the faded bed covers and/or faded cladding.
 
Thanks for the suggestions! That's exactly the type of help I was hoping for. I'm going to work on adding those problems to the site. If anyone is having problems with the cladding or parking brake, is either looking for legal help or wants to contribute cladding or parking brake info to the site, fill out the contact form: www.gmproblems.com/contact.htm Thanks again.
 
Hey everyone, first post here. I love my avalanche but I have a water leak. Bought my new 2004 in November. Water is leaking into the floorboard. I just returned it today for the 3rd time. I'm growing very frustrated over this, and the dealerships svc manager basically admits he can't fix it. What about a buy-back? Anyone familiar with this?
 
I have had my '04 for about a month. I didn't think of looking for leaks until I read about it on this forum.

After a heavy rain (like the last couple of days in NJ), I see a little bit of water behind the seats. This doesn't make me happy after spending so much on my truck, but it hasn't hit the rear carpet yet.

Chief,

Please share more specfic tips for stopping leaks or include links to prior discussions that may be helpful. I have not been able to find the solution to my problem.

Note that my truck is usually garaged.

Thanks!
 
i have recently been getting water leaks from the hard bed cover n my 04 I bought in November. The culprit is the 1st cover closest to the cab, it is leaking t the front where it meets the mid-gate/window. I've cleaned it but it does not seem to help. Ive taken the covers off several times to make sure I am putting them backl on correctly so it does not seem to be user error.  :C:

Anyone have any suggestions?
Mark
 
The earlier problems were usually this:
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Waterleaks Between End Gate and Hard Cover Seal (Sand Down Rough Finish) #02-08-66-002 - (Feb 27, 2002)

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche

2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Condition

Some customers may comment on water leaking down the inside of the endgate.

Cause

The rough finish on the endgate may allow water to leak past the seal.

Paint

Currently, the only approved refinishing material for the S-RIM is *Roman Hass Mat-Tec Composite Box Refinish Paint approved by General Motors for refinishing of the composite box. *Rohm & Hass Automotive Coatings will be providing the paint kits. To order, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-08-60-001 titled "Availability of Repair Kits and Paint for Structural Reaction Injection Molding (SRIM) Composite Box." Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application instructions.
This is enough to service about eight vehicles.

* We believe these sources and their product to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products or equipment from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources.

Correction

  1. Remove the gate assembly.
  2. Remove the straps and endgate handle screws.
  3. Wash and clean the endgate.
  4. Tape the latches and spoiler.

Refer to the image below...

  5. Sand the endgate with 240 grit paper from the black line outward. Remove the stipple only. DO NOT SAND DOWN TO THE SUBSTRATE. Refer to the illustration.
  6. Do not create a hard line with tape. Sand the top portion smooth and feather it into the grain.
  7. Scuff the remaining area of the endgate.
  8. Blow any dust off of the endgate and wash and clean.
  9. Tape and paper both sides.
  10. Apply two coats to the sanded area and one coat to the overall panel.
  11. Remove the tape and reinstall hardware.
  12. Install the endgate assembly.
 

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Folks may also be interested in THIS for water under the carpet leak problems.
 
I found a leak  :mad: I have a 2005 its been raining very heavily but i dont think that should matter should it ? :beating: my leak is comming right behind the brake pedal or thats where the water found a nice little trickle to the floor. obviously more flaws to come ten years the electrical will be shot from water dammage and my floor board rotted out like my vette (before restoration) i dont know man! :E: 50.000 $ :E:
 
I have an 04 avalanche had a problem with it leaking.  The leak was coming through the tail gate and has been fixed.
 
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