Quick question about third brake light unit

[GR00VY]

I have another thread about the brake light being out but wanted to start another one to ask about the seal around the 3rd brake light unit. I have read some stuff where it seems that it is a common issue to have a leak around the 3rd brake light. As far as I can tell I do not have a leak currently. However when I pull the unit to replace the bulb should I use a new rubber weather strip or just leave whatever is on the unit currently? Thanks

 

[Mineralram]

This problem seems to be sporatic. all my rams never leaked at all 09,11,13,15 and now 17

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

 

[lonestar21]

My 14 and 15 haven't leaked but since it is a common issue with ram I resealed both my trucks for peace of mind.
My understanding is that if it hasn't happend it will.

 

[Burla]

easy fix

So if you notice the trick is to use the gasket in a elongated U in one piece. Then you see the second cut and how it buts up. Super easy fix, and just look at what the factory puts there for a seal. You can get a nasty mold smell from this kind of ****, I say better safe then sorry and just replace it. This was the rainiest year ever in CA, mine hasn't leaked a drop since the fix.

 

[Ramzaq]

Chances are you won't have a problem with the third brake light, but it seems to happen a little more than usual.

You could be proactive and seal it, it is simple to do. Two screws hold it in and a connector for the light. Just clean the old gasket and install a new one. I did this to mine way beck in 2010 and never had a problem and never worry about it.



I bought this in one of the big box stores years ago, I am sure you would be able to find it or something very similar.

I wouldn't recommend RTV sealant for the simple fact that if you have to replace the bulb it would be a pain to remove the light assembly later for a bulb replacement.

Just noticed "Easy Fix" in the post above, perfect!

 

[GR00VY]

Thanks for the info everyone. Burla, did you do a youtube video on this fix? I watched something tonight and it looks exactly the same.

I got the bulb today but had no time to work on it. I will take care of it this week sometime when I get done with the bazillion other things I need to get done. lol. So i assume I need to completely clean off any residue from the old gasket, correct? What is the best way to test that it worked? If I dump water on it will it start to leak right away? So far it doesn't look like it has ever had a leak. There is no rust on the back seat brakcets or signs of water damage.

While we are on the topic. Are there any good after market 3rd brake lights worth getting? I may upgrade while I am at it.

 

[reek]

tangent: I wonder if there's a difference of American vs Mexican built trucks leaking? My 2500 (Mexican built) seal was pretty darn well placed and appeared to be non-absorbent closed cell foam gasket. never leaked. Meanwhile my buddy's 1500 (American built) rear seat is full of water. just wondering...

 

[lonestar21]

tangent: I wonder if there's a difference of American vs Mexican built trucks leaking? My 2500 (Mexican built) seal was pretty darn well placed and appeared to be non-absorbent closed cell foam gasket. never leaked. Meanwhile my buddy's 1500 (American built) rear seat is full of water. just wondering...

That shouldn't be a factor. In reality it's just a hit and miss

 

[rsdata]

I just did this fix this weekend. 25 minutes tops. When I took off the brake light I was surprised to see some closed cell foam for the gasket not cardboard. I pulled off the foam... it was deteriorated, but not bad... actually had to cut it off with razor knife and scraped the residue with the blade. I fit the new foam onto the lens and reinstalled.

I went to Lowe's to get my gasket material... they do not carry the MD brand but found Weather King, same stuff in white only. I bought the white. White foam completely invisible when installed.

Foam cost like $5, time was about 25 minutes. If it leaks now it is my fault.

 

[shibby927]

This is the video I made using Burla's instructions:

[YT]7wdLv0SWoAs[/YT]

So simple and cheap to do, and can save you the possibility of so much trouble in the long run, no reason really not to be proactive and do it.

 

[VB712]

My 12 and my current 14 both leaked. Bought a recon led light for my 12. Resealed the factory light on my 14. I used rtv. Should have went a different route but it doesn't leak.

 

[GR00VY]

easy fix

So if you notice the trick is to use the gasket in a elongated U in one piece. Then you see the second cut and how it buts up. Super easy fix, and just look at what the factory puts there for a seal. You can get a nasty mold smell from this kind of ****, I say better safe then sorry and just replace it. This was the rainiest year ever in CA, mine hasn't leaked a drop since the fix.

I just purchased the same strip and will be applying it this week when I replace the brake light. Like I said, I don't see any signs of a leak but I will do it anyway before I have an issue. Thanks for the link. Then I will get the hose on it to see if it leaks.

 

[GR00VY]

My 12 and my current 14 both leaked. Bought a recon led light for my 12. Resealed the factory light on my 14. I used rtv. Should have went a different route but it doesn't leak.

Did the recon light just plug in and work right away or were there issues getting it to work? Did it have a better seal than the factory or did you add a better seal to it? Thanks

 

[Jhuge]

Thanks

I did exactly what the video showed and haven't had any more problems. Just wanted to say thanks for the info !

2014.Ram 3500 Longhorn Megacab