Water getting in the body and I'm not sure how. Need yer eyeballs.

[thirdvector]

Ok the rear third row windows and sunroof were left cracked during a big rainstorm. The only major water I could tell was in the rear cargo area so I removed the carpeting for a full dry out. I discovered water inside the body holes that are right by the rear tailgate. Sucked that out and closed it up for a month or so while we focused on summer stuff. Well, I went back to work on the cruiser and there was water in the body holes again despite it being closed up. I've tested the front sunroof drains and they work fine. I haven't removed the sunroof glass yet to test the rear drains.

So how is water getting in there? Any ideas? By the look of the bolt & washer in the last pic of the right side looks like it might have been happening for a while.

Said body holes: (tee-hee... body holes)

 

[excessive]

that could be from the 3rd brake light, a common source of leaks

 

[thirdvector]

that could be from the 3rd brake light, a common source of leaks

Thanks! I'll check it out.

edit - since that's in the hatch wouldn't that make the rear carpet wet? That's not something I've noticed before. Probably worth replacing the gasket anyway though.

 

[3_puppies]

I was thinking if you retract the sunroof all the way you can test the rear drain tubes

 

[thirdvector]

I was thinking if you retract the sunroof all the way you can test the rear drain tubes

Yeah I suppose you're right. I can't really access them if they're clogged, but I could at least test them on an incline.

 

[Malleus]

There's an easier way...stick your head under the spare and look left and right. The rear drains exit behind the fenderwells. Blow air into them and have someone watch the rear corners, with the sunroof open. If they're clear, you'll feel air coming out. If they aren't, they will be. You have to clear the rear drains this way, because you can't reach them with the glass installed.

Pro tip: use a blow gun with a rubber tip on it - it'll seal in the tubing best.

FWIW, this is the way to clear clogged a sunroof drain...from the bottom. If you do it from the sunroof pan, like you will be told to do, you risk disconnecting the tubing from the drain nipple, and then you'll have to drop the headliner to get it back on.

I'm with @excessive though, it's unlikely that water is from the sunroof. Pull up the rear carpet edge, close the tailgate and hatch and the rear windows, and have someone spray them with a hose. If they are the source, you'll see water in the cavities.