GX470 Cabin Leaks

[Dharma Dude]

My GX470 2005 has developed a couple of cabin leaks. I'm looking for advice and pointers on how to pinpoint the exact leak location and to seal them.

During the last rain storm, I found puddles of water on the driver and front passenger floor. Upon further examination, the leaks appear to be coming in from the roof somewhere (passenger side) and from the hood/windshield area (driver side). I haven't found the exact location of the source yet but the following photos shows the approximate locations from the inside.

 

[Hardazclay]

There are drains on either side of the sun roof that run down the A pillars. If they become clogged water might be finding a different route. You can use windshield washer fluid or water to flush them out and they also make long cleaning brushes you can run down the drain. I have heard to avoid using compressed air to clear them as it could damage the drain.

 

[GXfan111]

Look closely around your windsheild- see any rust spots?

A previously replaced windshield done by a rookie, could lead to rust on the pinch seam where the windshield mounts.

Pull a pillar trim off, and have a buddy spray around the windshield while you watch from the inside.

Good luck!

 

[drowzyGX]

Chiming in to say that based on your post, it seems like the sunroof drains.

I had the exact same wet spots on the driver side, and it was from a clogged sunroof drain. If the driver side is clogged, I’d bet the passenger is, too, and the drain tube runs right along where your wet spots are.

Some weed whacker line, a drill, and a lot of patience can get it cleared.

 

[Dharma Dude]

There are drains on either side of the sun roof that run down the A pillars. If they become clogged water might be finding a different route. You can use windshield washer fluid or water to flush them out and they also make long cleaning brushes you can run down the drain. I have heard to avoid using compressed air to clear them as it could damage the drain.

Thank you.

On your advice., I checked the sunroof drains and they were indeed blocked. I cleaned up the drain holes, and snaked some wire as far it will go, snaking it maybe more than 4 feed down the drain channel. I tested by pouring some water into the sunroof edge wells, and it drained properly, and then hosing the sunroof for about 10 minutes, still no leaks. I'll take it to the car wash and see if there are leaks next.

It won't rain again much here in SF Bay Area until October/November. That will be the real test.

 

[Dharma Dude]

Look closely around your windsheild- see any rust spots?

A previously replaced windshield done by a rookie, could lead to rust on the pinch seam where the windshield mounts.

Pull a pillar trim off, and have a buddy spray around the windshield while you watch from the inside.

Good luck!

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out but the sunroof drain clearing seemed to have worked. I'll keep this possible leak point in mind.

 

[gallagherlake]

Just followed the steps after getting water into the cabin on both sides, 2004 GX470, after I was done I was able to pour water down both sides with no more pooling water in the frame. thanks for the advice!

 

[highme]

For anybody else reading this, using some stout weed eater line and a drill is a good way to roto-rooter your way through those sunroof draings.