The Land Rover Defender is a beloved icon of the off-road world, but even the most rugged vehicles need maintenance from time to time. If your Defender’s sunroof has seen better days, it may be time to replace it with a new one. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace a sunroof in a Land Rover Defender.
Replacing a genuine Land Rover sunroof is a fairly straight forward process but the steps need to be followed carefully:
Parts you will get as a part of your kit:
- The Sunroof
- The Aluminium Frame
- Rubber Seal
- Fittings
Tools
- Screwdriver
- Silicone Sealant
Step-by-step:
- Ensure your Defender is on a flat and stable surface, and engage the handbrake to ensure it doesn’t roll away during the repair process.
- Next, remove the interior headlining of the vehicle to gain access to the sunroof assembly. Carefully remove any components that are in the way of the sunroof.
- Remove the screws that hold the sunroof existing aluminium frame assembly to the vehicle’s roof. Depending on the model, there may be anywhere from four to eight screws to remove.
- With the screws removed, carefully lift the sunroof assembly out of the vehicle and place it on a clean and stable surface. If the sunroof is damaged or the glass is broken, be sure to handle it carefully to avoid injury.
- If the sunroof is being replaced due to damage, take care to inspect the surrounding area and any connecting parts that may have been impacted. If necessary, replace any damaged components to ensure a proper fit for the new sunroof.
- Before installing the new sunroof, ensure that the area around the sunroof opening is clean and free of debris. Any dirt, dust, or rust should be removed using a suitable cleaning agent.
- Install the new sunroof assembly by reversing the steps above. Add a bead of silicone to the flange of the sunroof assembly when it is placed into the hole in the car. A further bead of silicone is needed inside the vehicle to form a watertight seal before adding the Aluminium Frame. Ensure that the assembly is seated properly, and that the screws are tightened securely.
- Once the sunroof is re-installed, test it to make sure it opens and closes smoothly and without any issues. If everything is working properly, reattach any electrical connections that were disconnected earlier.
- Finally, replace the interior headlining, and test the sunroof again to make sure everything is working as expected.
Replacing a sunroof in a Land Rover Defender may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little patience, it’s a repair that can be completed in a few hours. Following these steps will ensure that your Defender’s new sunroof is fitted properly and functions as it should.
