Symptoms
Rust in the bottom corners of the windscreen frame, water leaks.
Likely cause
Water trapped under the windscreen seal.
Suggested fixes
Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.
- 1
Repair the windscreen frame
Repair panels are available.
- Difficulty:
- Specialist job
- Cost:
- ££ (About £50 to £300)
- 2
Fit a galvanised frame
A galvanised replacement frame prevents future rust.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate DIY
- Cost:
- ££ (About £50 to £300)
This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.
Related faults
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Holes in footwells, bubbling around door pillars, water leaks into the cabin.
Series I · Series II / IIA · Series III · 90 / 110 / 127 · Defender2 fixes - Chassis & bodyHigh severity
Rear crossmember and outrigger rot
Holes or flaking in the rear crossmember and outriggers, MOT failure.
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Bubbling aluminium body panels
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Door frame rot
Rust along the bottom of steel door frames, door skins bubbling.
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