Leaking Slider Repair

ShotgunZ71 · November 22, 2023

I recently repaired by leaking slider and posted in the 1500 section, but wanted to post here since many likely don't frequent the 1500 section if the only have HD trucks.

I recently sealed my cracked, leaking rear slider. First, I took the headliner loose to about the middle of the cab. Then, I removed the spoiler and cleaned the roof and window frame with compressed air, water and then rubbing alcohol. I then applied AC Delco seam sealer along the top of the window frame all across. Let that sit for a day and then put 3M strip caulk on every bolt mounting surface and the 4 bolt holes on the ends. Once the spoiler was in place and nuts and bolts tightened, there was strip caulk sealing each side of every bolt and nut, as well as the 2 alignment pins. We've had some rain since and so far it is holding well. It wasn't a bad ordeal, but not something I want or will do on a regular basis. Too many other other choices of trucks to deal with this poor engineering, design and suppliers. Short of going to a glass company or body shop and having the fixed glass installed, this is good way to try to stop the leak yourself without going to the dealer and the aggravation of such. YMMV.

ShotgunZ71 · November 30, 2023

We've had a couple good rains since repair. So far, it's doing well. Time will tell how long it will hold. Either way, I've more faith in my own repair than the dealer again for this issue. I'm done with GM and their sliders until the design changes. If leaks return, either the truck is gone or a solid glass will be put in.

Edited November 30, 2023 by ShotgunZ71

Pryme · November 30, 2023

That’s another feature my base truck doesn’t have and I didn’t want. Solid glass back window for me. My last truck had a slider and never used it.

ember1205 · November 30, 2023

2 hours ago, Pryme said:

That’s another feature my base truck doesn’t have and I didn’t want. Solid glass back window for me. My last truck had a slider and never used it.

I had the slider in a 2015 Sierra. Didn't want it, but that's how the truck was configured. Swapped that truck for a 2015 Silverado that didn't have the slider. Turned out, the high-mount stoplight on those cabs is problematic no matter and I ended up with water seeping in behind the gasket and staining the headliner (among other things). Current truck has the slider again.

My point here is that I don't think it ultimately matters as there are design issues with how the top of the cab is sealed from weather regardless. It might just be a matter of time before more issues show up with the newer cab styles where there isn't a slider.

Pryme · November 30, 2023

23 minutes ago, ember1205 said:

I had the slider in a 2015 Sierra. Didn't want it, but that's how the truck was configured. Swapped that truck for a 2015 Silverado that didn't have the slider. Turned out, the high-mount stoplight on those cabs is problematic no matter and I ended up with water seeping in behind the gasket and staining the headliner (among other things). Current truck has the slider again.

My point here is that I don't think it ultimately matters as there are design issues with how the top of the cab is sealed from weather regardless. It might just be a matter of time before more issues show up with the newer cab styles where there isn't a slider.

Yeah that cab spoiler is surely bolted into the cab which means there are more holes to eventually leak.