Center rear brake light gap between light and cab

[84IM]

I just replaced the bulb in my Mav's center brake light and found that when the light unit was securely attached to the cab there was still a gap between the plastic seal and the cab body.
The gap along the top part of the light fixture is somewhere between 1/16" to 1/8", depending on the location.

The problem, as I see it, is the gasket that seals the light housing against the cab's body is hard plastic, with zero flexibility. For a proper seal shouldn't it be a flexible rubber compound?
I plan on using a maritime silicone sealant to completely seal the light fixture.

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[Toddman45]

Photo?

 

[Nemo]

There are plastic alignment pins that have to be seated properly, are yours seated? Initially I did seat only one side properly, started tightening and heard plastic cracking, that’s when I noticed and re-seated. It should seal pretty well from the factory.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I just replaced the bulb in my Mav's center brake light and found that when the light unit was securely attached to the cab there was still a gap between the plastic seal and the cab body.
The gap along the top part of the light fixture is somewhere between 1/16" to 1/8", depending on the location.

The problem, as I see it, is the gasket that seals the light housing against the cab's body is hard plastic, with zero flexibility. For a proper seal shouldn't it be a flexible rubber compound?
I plan on using a maritime silicone sealant to completely seal the light fixture.

Update.
Don't put any Marine sealer on it there is a seal that you can't see when the housing is in place.

 

[icegradner]

I also sent a DM to

We will see if they respond.

Waste of time, they will just ask you to give them your VIN and tell you to contact your dealer.

 

[84IM]

My gap is comparable to Jim Baker's.
My pins are in place and I've tightened the screws as much as I dared, knowing how fragile those plastic parts that the screws attach to are.

 

[A.Bursell]

There is supposed to be a soft rubber gasket behind that compresses as you tighten. Does yours not have that gasket? It's normal to see a little gap, you don't want the hard plastic against the paint, but there should be a gasket just inside.

 

[Automan21]

There is supposed to be a soft rubber gasket behind that compresses as you tighten. Does yours not have that gasket? It's normal to see a little gap, you don't want the hard plastic against the paint, but there should be a gasket just inside.

100% correct

 

[84IM]

There is supposed to be a soft rubber gasket behind that compresses as you tighten. Does yours not have that gasket? It's normal to see a little gap, you don't want the hard plastic against the paint, but there should be a gasket just inside.

You're right-I used a light to take a close look. Thanks.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

There is supposed to be a soft rubber gasket behind that compresses as you tighten. Does yours not have that gasket? It's normal to see a little gap, you don't want the hard plastic against the paint, but there should be a gasket just inside.

My Sincere Apologies to all on my part for the major overreaction. 🫨
Thank You to A.Bursell for steering me straight.
Thank you for the info.
Yep and here it is.

 

[CajunMick]

I checked my truck. Yes, see a gap at top. But as another said should have gap, top not touch the paint. Hence, I’m will let it slide… predict good gasket contact to keep water out.
Hope others agree?

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

.

I checked my truck. Yes, see a gap at top. But as another said should have gap, top not touch the paint. Hence, I’m will let it slide… predict good gasket contact to keep water out.
Hope others agree?

Yes, the actual area underneath the third brake light housing was very clean. Meaning the seal is keeping dirt and water out.

 

[CajunMick]

.

Yes, the actual area underneath the third brake light housing was very clean. Meaning the seal is keeping dirt and water out.

Thanks. Good to know. For over a year the truck parked in the driveway. Few weeks ago, I reorganized the garage, put up a new garage door opener and now park the truck in the garage. Helps to keep it out of the elements. The truck about 13 months old, so far has 4,5xx miles on it. Not driven much. Being inside could see it last long long time. Thanks again.

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