2001 Bonneville leak issue

[Lovemybonneville]

I’ve spent the last few months fixing several leak issues. The last one in the trunk is puzzling. It seems to be coming in from the “inside” size of the weatherstripping where the latch lock is. I have previously removed and reglued the weatherstripping and bent up the metal flange holding in in place along the horizontal front portion where it appeared “flattened” over time. Should the horizontal metal flange be 90 degrees perpendicular? The weatherstripping is in good shape, should I remove it all, and reglue it all in? The taillights, stoplights, bumper screws and reflective panel are not leaking or have been fixed. Thanks!

 

[melsg5]

I’ve spent the last few months fixing several leak issues. The last one in the trunk is puzzling. It seems to be coming in from the “inside” size of the weatherstripping where the latch lock is. I have previously removed and reglued the weatherstripping and bent up the metal flange holding in in place along the horizontal front portion where it appeared “flattened” over time. Should the horizontal metal flange be 90 degrees perpendicular? The weatherstripping is in good shape, should I remove it all, and reglue it all in? The taillights, stoplights, bumper screws and reflective panel are not leaking or have been fixed. Thanks!

Have you tried with a trusted friend going inside the closed trunk with a flashlight and have your friend run water over the trunk area?

 

[Lovemybonneville]

Yes! Its definitely infiltrating by migrating to the interior part of the weatherstripping along the horizontal front portion near the latch assembly. I felt the metal flange holding the weatherstripping in place might have “flattened” over time, so i bent up up perpendicular but less than 90 degrees…. kind of a “compromise” of sorts not knowing the original specs.

 

[melsg5]

Yes! Its definitely infiltrating by migrating to the interior part of the weatherstripping along the horizontal front portion near the latch assembly. I felt the metal flange holding the weatherstripping in place might have “flattened” over time, so i bent up up perpendicular but less than 90 degrees…. kind of a “compromise” of sorts not knowing the original specs.

What would make you think the metal has to be bent unless evidence of body repair.
It's more likely the weather strip is flattened and adjusting the latch for a tighter fit would be next versus new weatherstrip.

______________________________

 

[Lovemybonneville]

Intuition really, I assumed the metal flange flattened out with time, and an AI response (dangerous, I know) indicated it should be perpendicular. There has been no body repair as I am the original owner with no accidents. I did not move it to 90 degrees, and it still is at its rough 45 degree angle. I did not think about adjusting the latch for a tighter fit, if that can be done? I did consider removing the weatherstripping so that I can reinstall with a changed orientation, flatted portion moved to another position. The OEM item for the seal #25735039 is discontinued, and only used parts are available. Thanks so much!!!!

 

[melsg5]

I wouldn't touch the metal, that's not the cause of your problem, latch adjustment or replace the weatherstrip, look at universal weatherstrip.

 

[Lovemybonneville]

Thank you! Appreciate the guidance and will follow your suggestions.