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Topic: Ugh! "Hairline" cracks in my end caps? (See pics) (Read 389 times) previous topic - next topic
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Ugh! "Hairline" cracks in my end caps? (See pics)
Hi Folks,

I'm wondering if the cracks shown in the pictures below are significant enough to allow for water intrusion that could cause further damage.  If so, what is the best product and method to prevent such damage?  If you could be very specific with your suggestion, I'd greatly appreciate it, because this will be a new type of project for me, and I suspect that I will get one attempt to do it well without making a mess.

In advance, thank you very much,
Eric
Re: Ugh! "Hairline" cracks in my end caps? (See pics)
Reply #1 –
Eric
Sorry.  Perhaps elimination of a possible structural issue should be determined before you attempt anything.  The sooner the better.
The Best!

Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Ugh! "Hairline" cracks in my end caps? (See pics)
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Morgueman  - 

I'm wondering if the cracks shown in the pictures below are significant enough to allow for water intrusion that could cause further damage.  If so, what is the best product and method to prevent such damage?  If you could be very specific with your suggestion, I'd greatly appreciate it, because this will be a new type of project for me, and I suspect that I will get one attempt to do it well without making a mess.

They are stress cracks, common in many LD thye also seen in the front caps, in back of the cab doors,. The rear caps evidently are in an area that is highly stressed, causing the corners to flex a bit when on rough roads. The caps are solidly attached and can only flex so much before they either crack or break loose. Your caps stayed attached, so they cracked. If you have read the forum for any time, you know that loose end caps are a frequent problem.

To fix, I clean the cracks with spray brake cleaner, then blowing the crack out with compressed air. When completely dry, sealant can then be forced into the cracks, using gloved finger. Depending of the owner's wishes, I used either white 3M 5200 FC or a clear sealant, if the owner objected to visible white cracks.
Black 3M 5200 could also be used.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Ugh! "Hairline" cracks in my end caps? (See pics)
Reply #3 –
"I clean the cracks with spray brake cleaner..."
----
This was a new one for me, so I looked up the properties of "brake cleaner". Is the relevant feature for the choice of this product that it leaves no residue on the cleaned surface after the solvents dissipate?

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Ugh! "Hairline" cracks in my end caps? (See pics)
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
"I clean the cracks with spray brake cleaner..."
----
This was a new one for me, so I looked up the properties of "brake cleaner". Is the relevant feature for the choice of this product that it leaves no residue on the cleaned surface after the solvents dissipate?

Spray brake cleaner is a cleaning solvent that evaporates very quickly, it's available at any auto parts store.
Amazon.com: CRC 05089 BRAKLEEN Brake Parts Cleaner - Non-Flammable -19 Wt...

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Ugh! "Hairline" cracks in my end caps? (See pics)
Reply #5 –
Eric;   If you cant find 5200 fast cure home dep carries a fast cure marine adhesive that we have used with good results, actually i cant tell the dif except easier to come by.  Also i would personally seal up those cracks in the pic leading up to the crack in your corner. 
Good luck   Grumpy
2005 Front Lounge
Re: Ugh! "Hairline" cracks in my end caps? (See pics)
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Morgueman  - 
Hi Folks,

I'm wondering if the cracks shown in the pictures below are significant enough to allow for water intrusion that could cause further damage.  If so, what is the best product and method to prevent such damage?  If you could be very specific with your suggestion, I'd greatly appreciate it, because this will be a new type of project for me, and I suspect that I will get one attempt to do it well without making a mess.

In advance, thank you very much,
Eric
I was wondering if you had any pics of repair And I’m wondering if there was any sign of intrusion?
 
Re: Ugh! "Hairline" cracks in my end caps? (See pics)
Reply #7 –
I couldn't find 5200 FC at any of the box stores a few months ago. 

On a whim, I found and ordered 2 tubes on Amazon.  Had it in 3 days.

As the Forum has addressed many, many times, it is bulletproof if you use it correctly.

Cheers!

Tony R (aka codefour)

 
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family