I've read a million posts about this. I have water leaking into my door and tore the panel off, thinking that it was because I had a bad membrane. the membrane seemed to be in good shape, but i took it off and I'll be replacing it soon. Right now, I'm driving with no panel on the door and no membrane. I went to a car wash and saw water dripping down over my speaker, originating from near the side mirror portion of the door.

1.) If i had the membrane on, i would not be able to see the water leak...is this normal?
2.) there's drain plugs at the bottom of the door, but they have rubber plugs. Are we supposed to take these rubber plugs out? I don't see where the water can escape if those plugs remain in?
3.) Can someone explain how the membrane works? Is it keeping water inside the door and not allowing it to escape into the cabin? I'm not understanding how it all works as it's designed.


Anyone successfully fix this?

 

Water leaks inside the door, a fact of life. The window seals are not perfect seals. The membrane is there to prevent water from soaking the door panel and leaking into the cabin. There are drain holes on the underside of the door. The rubber plugs cover the holes for the regulator adjustment bolts and should be there. I don't know what else to explain other than don't take your car to the car wash with high pressure spray.

 

Are you saying that there are drains on the underside of the door besides the rubber plugs that cover the adjustment bolts? I can't seem to see any type of drainage spot.

 

Very difficult to take a picture under the door. In the rubber seal along the bottom of the door and one forward and one aft rectangular holes for drainage in the rubber seal.

 

Yes the "drains" are just slits where the two sections (inner and outer) of the door meet and are welded together. The body panels are hot dipped galvanized and as long as those drain holes are kept clear, will not rust (unless the water is highly acidic/corrosive such as salt water). Check those slits to make sure they're not plugged up with dust/debris - once they're clear, go back to driving and not worrying about it!

 

Thanks for the info! I've been trying to get to that answer for weeks! And i know a few other guys weren't sure where the drain holes were either. Totally appreciate the info!

 

So my pic and description didn't help? My reputation is going down the tubes fast.

 

Awwww say it aint so Joe! Your description/photo was perfect - I just elaborated on it and picked up the credit

 

Nope, not at all! No help whatsoever! Haha I'm kidding...The pic is actually what helped the most. Thank you for sending!