Drivers cab Headlining

[Jabberwocky]

Hi everyone, I have a situation that has been going on since Feb 2025. I am getting water ingress on the front offside (Driver's) when it rains and or when its windy. Not strong but enough to notice.
As a result I need to get a look at how things are working behind the headlining so I can figure out a repair/ Solution to stop this water leak seeing that VW have failed to find a solution. They are steadfastly of the view that there is nothing wrong (They can not replicate the fault and are unaware of anything that would help). So I have to live constantly with one eye on the weather forecast.
Any thoughts /ideas to remove the headlining as a start point before working on a solution?
Thanks in advance.
JB

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Hi everyone, I have a situation that has been going on since Feb 2025. I am getting water ingress on the front offside (Driver's) when it rains and or when its windy. Not strong but enough to notice.
As a result I need to get a look at how things are working behind the headlining so I can figure out a repair/ Solution to stop this water leak seeing that VW have failed to find a solution. They are steadfastly of the view that there is nothing wrong (They can not replicate the fault and are unaware of anything that would help). So I have to live constantly with one eye on the weather forecast.
Any thoughts /ideas to remove the headlining as a start point before working on a solution?
Thanks in advance.
JB

Do you have photographs?

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Could there be an issue with the roof drain? Maybe a split in the rubber pipe or the rubber pipe has come away?

 

[WelshGas]

Hi everyone, I have a situation that has been going on since Feb 2025. I am getting water ingress on the front offside (Driver's) when it rains and or when its windy. Not strong but enough to notice.
As a result I need to get a look at how things are working behind the headlining so I can figure out a repair/ Solution to stop this water leak seeing that VW have failed to find a solution. They are steadfastly of the view that there is nothing wrong (They can not replicate the fault and are unaware of anything that would help). So I have to live constantly with one eye on the weather forecast.
Any thoughts /ideas to remove the headlining as a start point before working on a solution?
Thanks in advance.
JB

I think you will find the problem is with the sealant around the Roof Drain and the hydraulic pipe/ wiring loom on the affected side.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Here are a couple of shots from inside the van. ....

Do you have photographs?

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

That wasn't the headlining I was expecting!

So for that to get wet, water has to be passing through the canvas. So when you're driving the rain is first forced under the rubber seal.

Blocked drain hole could then cause a build-up and pooling of water which would ingress through the canvas, likely where it joins the bottom rubber seal.

Have you poured water in the area around both drain holes? Do they empty quickly? You may find the offside one is noticeable slower to drain??

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Another thought. Cos that's a lot of water. Could it be a problem with the front rubber seal or is the pop top not closing fully or maybe even not locking in place. So maybe it lifts slightly in that corner when you are driving...

 

[Jabberwocky]

Here are a couple of shots from inside the van. ....

View attachment 141889
View attachment 141889

Do you have photographs?

That wasn't the headlining I was expecting!

So for that to get wet, water has to be passing through the canvas. So when you're driving the rain is first forced under the rubber seal.

Blocked drain hole could then cause a build-up and pooling of water which would ingress through the canvas, likely where it joins the bottom rubber seal.

Have you poured water in the area around both drain holes? Do they empty quickly? You may find the offside one is noticeable slower to drain??

Both drains work well with a satisfying gurgle when emptying.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Another thought. Cos that's a lot of water. Could it be a problem with the front rubber seal or is the pop top not closing fully or maybe even not locking in place. So maybe it lifts slightly in that corner when you are driving...

The problem occurs when the roof is up or down and always on the same side, stationary or being driven.

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

The problem occurs when the roof is up or down and always on the same side, stationary or being driven.

If it's happening when the pop top is up does that not mean it's entering through the metal roof?

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

Those are 06S bellows. Have you had the originals replaced?

They also don't look to be fully "square". There's like a diagonal pull top right to bottom left...

Which might beg the question of whether the rubber piping is properly seated in the channel.

Also if they have been replaced poorly, maybe the technician had problems aligning them and tried more than once. The rubber piping is a one-shot install. You can't remove and try again!

 

[Jabberwocky]

Those are 06S bellows. Have you had the originals replaced?

They also don't look to be fully "square". There's like a diagonal pull top right to bottom left...

Which might beg the question of whether the rubber piping is properly seated in the channel.

Also if they have been replaced poorly, maybe the technician had problems aligning them and tried more than once. The rubber piping is a one-shot install. You can't remove and try again!

Yes the bellows have been replaced with the 06S, variant. Have you any photos of the various pipes etc, that I may be able to install as a DIY job?

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

The rubber piping is the rubber attached to the bellows material and it pushes into the channel on the pop top and forms a seal. Top and bottom.

This is a single use item. The whole bellows in fact are a one-time install hence my last comment.

I think the water ingress you have is appalling. If you did think it was poorly installed bellows you could call up Kernow transporters and ask for a price for new ones. From memory it's about a grand fitted. They are very competent I believe.

If that cures the problem send the invoice to VW and if they don't pay take them to court over a not-fit-for-purpose pop top.

 

[Perfectos]

The roof railed are riveted to the roof , the Alu Chanel is open ended with a plastic cap on either end.
I do not have intimate knowledge of the fixing / seals between the roof and rails but I suspect your problem ma be a leak be from a rivet position?

Can you replicate the issue with a watering can / hose etc. ?

 

[Jabberwocky]

Thanks for all the comments and advice. Kernow Transporters is rather a long way from here (West Midlands) can you recommend anyone else?
About replication with with a watering can / hose etc. I have attempted as you suggest but to no avail. I have also had a dealer have a two hour hose on the offending area but still no luck.
What parts do I need to fix this problem or is it a specialised job?

 

[colintfcolintf]

Thanks for all the comments and advice. Kernow Transporters is rather a long way from here (West Midlands) can you recommend anyone else?
About replication with with a watering can / hose etc. I have attempted as you suggest but to no avail. I have also had a dealer have a two hour hose on the offending area but still no luck.
What parts do I need to fix this problem or is it a specialised job?

they have a campsite opposite Kernow Transporters - well worth the drive to get it sorted and have a few days down there

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

The roof railed are riveted to the roof , the Alu Chanel is open ended with a plastic cap on either end.
I do not have intimate knowledge of the fixing / seals between the roof and rails but I suspect your problem ma be a leak be from a rivet position?

Can you replicate the issue with a watering can / hose etc. ?

Presumably that theory could be tested by sticking some clear vinyl tape over the roof rails and seeing if the problem vanishes.

I'd forgotten that the tin roof has the rails secured into it.

 

[Perfectos]

Presumably that theory could be tested by sticking some clear vinyl tape over the roof rails and seeing if the problem vanishes.

I'd forgotten that the tin roof has the rails secured into it.

However @Jabberwocky advised he cant replicate the leak.

I would suspect if it was a leaking roof rail it would be replicated with a hose etc

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

However @Jabberwocky advised he cant replicate the leak.

I would suspect if it was a leaking roof rail it would be replicated with a hose etc

Maybe he hasn't been targeting the roof rail channels? I'm sure he'll come back and let us know