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Think this may go some way to explaining why i am still getting a wet boot on the L/H side of the car.
I have re-sealed both rear lights with gasket sealant and water still seems to be getting in
Attached are some photos i have noticed of the panel gaps. I imagine it must have had a bump at some point. I am thinking some more sealant in the gap between the light cluster and the body may stop water ingress? Attached are photos of the r/h side for comparison
There are air vents behind the bumper, if it's leaking through the hatch seal the carpet will be wet, as opposed to collecting in the spare wheel well?
Common misconception that tightening the bolts as tight as they will go on the lights is the best thing. When in fact, it just crushes the gasket and makes holes. New gaskets are available in the club shop and only need to be tight enough to cause compression of the gasket.
As stated above, there are also two slam vents that have a small flap of rubber on them. These are also prone to leaking.
The gap size is irrelevant water will always find a way, but those gaps lead to channels that are there to redirect the water away from the boot (hence the boot rubber). The negative is it then runs down the light and the back of the car.
loosening of the bolts on what is probable a 30 year old gasket after you have crashed it to death is probable not the answer.
Fitting new seals to the rear lights now they are available combined with checking and sealing the boot vents that are behind the rear bumper almost certainly is.
kevinwillis wrote: ↑Wed Apr 06, 2022 9:47 am
loosening of the bolts on what is probable a 30 year old gasket after you have crashed it to death is probable not the answer.
Fitting new seals to the rear lights now they are available combined with checking and sealing the boot vents that are behind the rear bumper almost certainly is.
kevinwillis wrote: ↑Wed Apr 06, 2022 9:47 am
loosening of the bolts on what is probable a 30 year old gasket after you have crashed it to death is probable not the answer.
Fitting new seals to the rear lights now they are available combined with checking and sealing the boot vents that are behind the rear bumper almost certainly is.
When you fit the new gaskets, add some silicon sealant as well, 100% investigate the vents, the foam they sit in goes pourus, again a good line of sealant will cure it for another 10-15 years..
H