Water In My Trunk Area

[2quik]

Everytime it rains, the edge by the lift hatch floor is ALWAYS damp, more on the right side. I have checked the rubber sealer around the rear hatch. Its all good, not dried or cracking, I even cleaned it . I have a 2002 LX 470.
Any ideas ? Thanks for your help

 

[UltraFJ40]

Bolt holes in the roof where the factory rack secures? Might want to run some water over the area while having your truck open so to help you locate a potential leak.

If there's a chance you can locate the start of the leak's height, (by water stains, rust or mildew) you will more easily be able to locate it. The best idea would be to trace the leak clues and remove the interior components to find the source.

First, I would check the mounting points for the factory rack. I've been down this road before.

 

[2quik]

Thanks i will check that out, are there any gutters or drain holes i can clean out. I cant seem to locate any,
Is it a possibility it can leak from the brake light seal?

 

[UltraFJ40]

As far as I know, there are no drain holes on the cargo area of the 100. The only "drain" holes are for the sunroof and those are directed forward of the seating area.

If the water is getting in, it is probably from:

A. The roof rack bolt holes
B. The rubber seal around the lift hatch or
C. Possibly the brake light but that would be my last thought.

Might be best to go the opposite of my choices. It always seems work itself out that way for me.

My best guess would be that it is leaking in from the roof mounting holes and running inside of your headliner toward the rear before finding a place to show itself.

 

[UltraFJ40]

Do you have a rear spoiler/dust shield by chance?

 

[T4RBoarder]

If the water is getting in, it is probably from:

A. The roof rack bolt holes
B. The rubber seal around the lift hatch or
C. Possibly the brake light but that would be my last thought.

I have heard of B & C happening. I personally have a small leak around the hatch that when water pools on my roof and i take off some water will escape past the seal and run down my window and onto that carpet.

 

[UltraFJ40]

(A) has happened to me. I removed a roof rack and for whatever reason, when I replaced the bolts, I didn't get a tight fit. Water would pool around the holes and eventually find it's way in. This was on a front mounting point and the water would make it's way to the P-side floor area.

Gotta love the water "gremlins", they're second on my list of to only their electrical cousins.

 

[UltraFJ40]

I have heard of B & C happening. I personally have a small leak around the hatch that when water pools on my roof and i take off some water will escape past the seal and run down my window and onto that carpet.

Yours wouldn't be the result of an external XM or Sirius radio antenna would it? I have also traveled that road a time or two (wifes ride).

 

[2quik]

UltraFJ, Thanks for the responses. I dont have a XM Antenna,
I have no rear hatch spolier.
The water is as you described on the passenger side.

If it it truely the bolt holes for the roof racks, how do i remedy this.
Any signs i can see up there, rusted screws?
thanks for everyones help. This has been driving me insane and the smell is awful

 

[UltraFJ40]

Sorry, I meant for the antenna question for Boarder.

Pop off the plastic footing at the rear of the rack. Underneath should be two bolts that go directly into the roof. If it has been leaking through there, the bolts should have some corrosion or discoloring on them.

If that's the case, you could either use a rubber washer like below or make your own gasket.

It'll take about ten minutes to pop the cap and remove a few of the bolts, but shouldn't be any more than that.

*I still cant figure out why Toyota didn't run a gutter type system under these that would drain to the pillars.

 

[2quik]

I will try it when i get home, How do you suggest i pop off the caps? Thin screw driver?

Are those washers from home depot?

thanks UltraFJ

 

[UltraFJ40]

I'm glad you asked. I did a quick search and found some info that is in the FAQ. I completely forgot that you might need a Torx bit. I can't remember if I had torx bolts or not. I don't think I did because I haven't seen any lying around my "now useless" tools drawer.


Check this roof rack removal thread to see some good illustrations and instructions Hoser put up. It's easily a one job

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/54473-factory-roof-rack-removal.html

 

[T4RBoarder]

Yours wouldn't be the result of an external XM or Sirius radio antenna would it? I have also traveled that road a time or two (wifes ride).

Nope, sorry I don't have anything back there just stock everything.

 

[2quik]

The rear cover to expose the bolts, is not coming off to easy. Figured i would ask if there is any ricks before i try to edge a spatula and try to get it off. Thanks all

 

[Serge]

I have a 2000 LX, The carpeting in the cargo area was getting damp as well. I pulled out the carpeting and there are several drain plugs installed on the cargo floor under it. One of them was part way out. I put it back in and reinstalled the carpet. It's been dry since then.

It might be possible to inspect these drain plugs from underneath the truck after removing the spare tire.

Serge

 

[spikey]

I had the same problem. I carefully cleaned the rubber seal and the hatches where they contacted the seal. Sprayed silicone lube on the seal. No more water.

 

[FATrabbit]

I had this problem as well, and it was exactly as you described. The carpet would be wet right along the edge of the tail gate, under the plastic flap.

The upper brake light was the culprit in my case. I simply applied a bead of silicone to the exterior of the car between the roof and the light and it solved my problem. Some people have replaced the light because a new light comes with a new seal, but its expensive (especially compared to silicone.)

Edit: see here

 

[Sandroad]

The upper brake light was also the problem for the leak in my '04 LC with the same symptoms; wet carpet along the back. Silicone sealer around the outside of the brake light lens fixed the problem and is invisible.

For those lubricating rubber seals, Honda makes a seal lubricant/preservative that I found at Honda and Acura Accessories dot com - Genuine Factory Honda and Acura Accessories at discount prices..