For Those that had their Front Fender Removed for a Water Leak

[jth877]

I have the typical front fender leak into the drivers foot well area. The STAR case instructions for the dealer say to remove the fender to seal the body seam underneath. I've noticed that the fender has a painted tab and bolt up behind the mirror to hold it on. I don't want that to look horrible when the work is done.

For those that have had the repair, how does it look? It looks like it would be very hard to remove that fastener and not chip/crack the paint.

 

[jth877]

With all the front body seam leaks no one can comment about front fender removal?

 

[BowDown]

Mine doesn't leak, never heard of this issue

 

[Scram1500]

Most leaks occur at the back of the cab. Brake light, rear window frame and shark fin are the big three problem areas

 

[jth877]

It was extremely common 2019, 2020. STAR case # S1923000026.

 

[Diamondback]

Mine leaked (see my previous posts about it with all the photos of the 2 inches of water in that same area, @jth877 )and I worked at the dealership .. the manager wanted me to remove my own fender to complete the Star Case == said, nope .. not after reading it and I'm not a body shop tech. There was another item they were supposed to attempt first PRIOR to removing the fender -- that was the last resort.

I know on mine, I was able to remove the little plastic/rubber molding at the lower edge of the windshield and reset it -- that fixed the leak for a bit. I get more water out of the mic now because I forget to clean out the front left drain tube during the Spring.

 

[jth877]

Mine leaked (see my previous posts about it with all the photos of the 2 inches of water in that same area, @jth877 )and I worked at the dealership .. the manager wanted me to remove my own fender to complete the Star Case == said, nope .. not after reading it and I'm not a body shop tech. There was another item they were supposed to attempt first PRIOR to removing the fender -- that was the last resort.

I know on mine, I was able to remove the little plastic/rubber molding at the lower edge of the windshield and reset it -- that fixed the leak for a bit. I get more water out of the mic now because I forget to clean out the front left drain tube during the Spring.

Thank you! So you never removed the fender.... I'm think I can get in there with a wand and seam seal it especially if I can get that rubber corner piece off. How does that come off? Just pry up and pull?

 

[Diamondback]

Yeah, the first trail is to try that prior to removing the fender if I remember correctly. That foam-rubber piece just pulls out.

 

[jth877]

Found today where the leak is coming from on the inside. It's dripping out of a hole that is for securing the wiring harness. I ran water between the two inner fender panels. Now I understand why they need to take the fender off.

 

[jth877]

It's fixed. I gave a new dealer, who is new to me and not the incompetent dealer where I purchased the truck from, all of my research on my front fender leak including the star case.

The service writer advised the shop on my concerns. They were able to seal the leak WITHOUT removing the fender! I had the truck back the day after the repair. 2 days total. Very happy and I let them know.

 

[mikeru82]

Mine doesn't leak, never heard of this issue

I remember reading posts around the end of 2019 from people who had this leak. Seemed to mostly affect 2019 quad cabs. I remember feeling safe from this issue since I had a 2020 CC at the time.

It's fixed. I gave a new dealer, who is new to me and not the incompetent dealer where I purchased the truck from, all of my research on my front fender leak including the star case.

The service writer advised the shop on my concerns. They were able to seal the leak WITHOUT removing the fender! I had the truck back the day after the repair. 2 days total. Very happy and I let them know.

Glad to hear it's fixed! Thanks for the update.

 

[Scram1500]

It's fixed. I gave a new dealer, who is new to me and not the incompetent dealer where I purchased the truck from, all of my research on my front fender leak including the star case.

The service writer advised the shop on my concerns. They were able to seal the leak WITHOUT removing the fender! I had the truck back the day after the repair. 2 days total. Very happy and I let them know.

Need to read more stories about positive dealer experiences

 

[Bbrown]

Thank you! So you never removed the fender.... I'm think I can get in there with a wand and seam seal it especially if I can get that rubber corner piece off. How does that come off? Just pry up and pull?

Was you able to fix with out fender removal

 

[JCR1500]

I have a 2020 Bighorn and I've just recently had this leak happen. I pulled the backseats and checked the vents and they were dry and its not my 3rd brake light so I think its coming from the seams. jth877 what did you do to seal the seam so it doesn't leak anymore without pulling the fender?

Thanks.

 

[6of36]

I have a 2020 Bighorn and I've just recently had this leak happen. I pulled the backseats and checked the vents and they were dry and its not my 3rd brake light so I think its coming from the seams. jth877 what did you do to seal the seam so it doesn't leak anymore without pulling the fender?

Thanks.

The leak in this thread is a leak in front, at the dash, not the rear. The rear leak is probably the all too common rear window frame.

 

[JCR1500]

Oh I've narrowed it down to coming from the front...just need to find the hole now

 

[mikeru82]

How do you know it's coming from the front? Have you seen water coming in somewhere? I'm not saying yours isn't leaking at the front, but we just went through the cracked rear window frame issue on our 2020 Limited. It took out the RF hub which made the truck an expensive three ton boat anchor. Three months later we got it back from the dealership in working order, and an new rear window on order. The weird thing was I thought it was a leak in the front of the cab as well. The carpet under the driver's floor mat was wet and starting to mold. And I noticed condensation under the dash when I was under there removing the Taser DT before delivering it to the dealership. The inside of the windshield was also covered with a heavy amount of condensation, but the other windows had none. After diagnosis by a leak expert, there is no leak in the front of the cab. The water was coming in at the back window, somehow migrating to the front footwell and condensing under the dash and inside of the windshield. I wouldn't rule anything out. Water leaks are weird.

 

[JCR1500]

I have not found the source yet. Maybe this weekend I can setup my garden hose on the roof running water on the back window and front window while having the carpet pulled back to see if I can find the location.

 

[Mhons]

How do you know it's coming from the front? Have you seen water coming in somewhere? I'm not saying yours isn't leaking at the front, but we just went through the cracked rear window frame issue on our 2020 Limited. It took out the RF hub which made the truck an expensive three ton boat anchor. Three months later we got it back from the dealership in working order, and an new rear window on order. The weird thing was I thought it was a leak in the front of the cab as well. The carpet under the driver's floor mat was wet and starting to mold. And I noticed condensation under the dash when I was under there removing the Taser DT before delivering it to the dealership. The inside of the windshield was also covered with a heavy amount of condensation, but the other windows had none. After diagnosis by a leak expert, there is no leak in the front of the cab. The water was coming in at the back window, somehow migrating to the front footwell and condensing under the dash and inside of the windshield. I wouldn't rule anything out. Water leaks are weird.

Hi, I just had my 2021 BigHorn towed last Wed. Same thing Fobs no go and when opening the door with key I had alarms .My dealer said I have to wait for it to be determined if it's a warranty issue. before I can get a rental.? Like u said 60000 boat anchor. Did u know about the class action suit. I wonder if it is worth joining. Any feed back would be appreciated.

 

[Mhons]

Mine doesn't leak, never heard of this issue

It took mine about 2 years to have the issue.