Rear door water tanks

[Morten]

So, after washing my car or after heavy rain, I am noticing that when I open either rear door, water leaks out. They seem to be holding water until I open them.

In addition, my left rear door seem to be releasing some of the water into the cabin, and the carpet is wet in the rear left footwell.

Anyone have one or both of these problems ?

[Ceeker]

well. the water which leaks out after opening the doors is normal as the water runs down and sits in that area. So naturally when you open it you release some residual water. The left rear might be due to a body seal not seating correctly or torn somewhere letting the water run in. check the seal for contact to the door and also check to see contact with the body side where it is wedged on.

I doubt this one: but also check to make sure your sunroof tubes are not clogged or disconnected; back up could run into the compartment and down back behind the b pillar into the rear floor area.

[blk3]

make sure that the door drain holes are clear and not partially clogged

[Dado 540]

Your rear foot well is wet due to the vapour barrier separating from the door.

Remove the rear door interior panel to expose vapour barrier (black foam). Look around the lower edges for areas that are no longer attached to the metal (due to the double sided rubber sticky drying up). Water will enter from the aroudn the window and end up passing through the areas that are dried up. Good thing to do would be to peel off the whole vapour barrier and replace the sticky tape all around.

PS. Welcome to the forum, and welcome to 5 series

[Morten]

Thanks, will go at it on the weekend. The sticky tape which I assume is a special kind, where do I purchase that?

[Dado 540]

^ not sure. Check the dealer and even hardware stores, canadian tire.

Be careful when removing the door panels so you dont crack them. Google DIY for removing the door panels, that way you have an idea of there the clips are.

[rzrdxl]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU9BM...eature=channel

here's a link for panel removal.

[rdc]

I think they use butyl tape for the seal. I did mine about five months ago and couldn't find any butyl tape so i just grabbed a tube of ge silicone 2 from home depot, cleaned the existing stuff off the door and foam panel and siliconed the foam panel back on. Probably not the best solution. I expect it'll be a pain if I ever have to remove the rear foam panel again. But I was in a rush to get the daily driver back on the road.

[Dado 540]

Rdc you are right. Butyl tape is correct

Morten open up the panel and check it out first. If you do need this tape then get the one that is thicker and not so flat. That way you get a good seal.


Home Hardware might have it

[540guy]

The small amount of water in your right door will eventually turn into the large leak like your left door if not fixed.

As mentioned above, it is most likely the seal of the doors vapor barrier.

MMM 08622, or just 08622 is the part number for the sticky seal stuff. It is called 3M Windo-Weld and is apparently the same oem material that is used from the factory. This part number is for a slightly thicker roll though.

You can get it at NAPA parts, that's where I found it.

I have a few guide links somewhere as well if they are needed.

Also, those of you who have done it, how did you manage to get the old seal off the door. It was so frustrating I wanted to kick the door right off the hinges. I just left chunks of it on here and there, and slathered on the new seal.

[slemmer]

Couldn't you use the caulking stuff from a building centre that is used for sealing vapour barriers to the studs at home?

[540guy]

You could but then if you need to get into the door down the road like for a failed window regulator, then you're going to have a little trouble. People have used it anyway though and it does perform better.

[Morten]

Appreciate all the help guys. With both a video and source for the sticky stuff I can't really find an excuse not to dig into it :-)