4Gen Buffeting wind noise after windshield replacement: top rubber moulding?

[amg_w211]

My 2003 4Runner just had the front windshield replaced. The tech mentioned that he would use aftermarket top windshield weatherstrip to cut down on costs and I shouldn't notice a thing. Ever since that replacement, I have bad wind noise above 40 mph, especially at highway speeds. Even on a calm day, I get the buffeting wind noise. It is very pronounced if you have a truck or semi in front of you. My 4Runner was pretty silent before the windshield replacement.

I've had the tech out again, and he sealed down the side rubber mouldings (goes to the roof rack) with weatherstrip adhesive. It seems to help, but the wind buffeting is still present.

About the only thing I can think of is the aftermarket top window moulding. The upper aftermarket moulding appears to be flush on the most front portion where it meets the glass, but the back half (where it meets the painted roof), it has a deep channel/gutter. I wonder if this is causing the buffeting wind noise. See attached picture of the aftermarket to window moulding (looking as you stand from the passenger side and look towards the drivers side).

Can someone get me a picture of their original top windshield seal? Is yours like the aftermarket one or is it relatively flush? I'd like to confirm what the genuine Toyota seal looks like and if it's different, I'll order it in and have the tech replace it.

The noise is quite bothersome at freeway speeds, and I'm not going to "remedy it" by turning up the radio.

Also, if anyone has any other useful tips, please chime in--thanks.

 

[amg_w211]

Again, I'm looking for a picture of any 4th gen 4Runner top moulding for the front windshield to see what the original Toyota piece looks like. Ideally, also where the top moulding meets the side moulding (much like the picture I took in the original post).

See #8 in this attached picture--that's what I'm looking for.

Toyota Part #: 7553135180
MSRP: $36.20

If you do post a picture, please let me know the year of your 4Runner. I think there's different part numbers for 2003-2005, and 2006+ years.

 

[riceandpho]

i think they didnt put enough adhesive on the top part, thats where itll start to leak sooner or later. if you see them remove this job and do another, see if the adhesive was spread evenly on the glass.

 

[amg_w211]

i think they didnt put enough adhesive on the top part, thats where itll start to leak sooner or later. if you see them remove this job and do another, see if the adhesive was spread evenly on the glass.

They sealed it pretty good. It's on there tight. Do you still have the original top windshield seal? And if you do, what does it look like? Or can you take a pic and post it? Thanks.

 

[riceandpho]

of course the weather seal will be tight, im talking about the adhesive and the bond between the top fram and glass, thats where the wind might be coming from, unless the sides dont have enough adhesive too. the weather seal might be on right, its all about the bond and the installation.

 

[HokieRunner]

They sealed it pretty good. It's on there tight. Do you still have the original top windshield seal? And if you do, what does it look like? Or can you take a pic and post it? Thanks.

I'm with riceandpho..The seal they installed on your windshield looks much like the factory one and I would be shocked if that is causing the buffeting. they probably missed a spot with the sealant.

I've seen this on other vehicles before where the installer swore it was sealed properly but after they reinstalled the windshield it solved the problem.

Was this a safelite job?? Haha

And my windshield seal looks the same as yours and I don't have that noise....

 

[4gin007]

I would check the cowl panel, the plastic that runs the length of the windshield on the bottom. Make sure its sitting all the way down and looks proper. Sometimes clips get broken and screws get lost during windshield replacements.

 

[amg_w211]

For kicks, I taped up the top molding and I get way worse buffeting. I'll call the installer (independent) and have him redo the windshield seal. It's buffeting badly above 60 mph. I'll have him look at the lower cowl on the windshield as well. Will update once it's done.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[gshadow325]

where are your cross bars? have you moved them back at all?
also does this truck have a sun roof? have you looked to see if it is even with the roof line? pushed on it from the bottom upwards to see if its sealed?

or even drive with the shade closed? i noticed more noise when mine was open. from day one.