Tailgate Leak - How's it Getting In?

[Jeavsy]

Morning all,

Every time I open my tailgate, I get a gush of water out of the lower holes in the door. Last year I tried to tackle this and found that the rear window seal had failed and the window aperture had rusted in one corner allowing water ingress. I had the door welded and so I know that it is solid around the window. The window was refitted with a new seal and I also replaced the door seal at the same time. I am pretty sure that there is nothing getting in via this route. So where/how is the water getting inside the door cavity? I have had a good look around the door and can't see any obvious holes or damage. Am now at a bit of a dead end! Anybody else had this problem? Any suggestions? Thanks, Mike.

[multisi]

Could still be getting in passed the window seal, look at the top corners , it only takes a very small gap to pull water in.

[Jeavsy]

Thanks - I'll have another look once today's monsoon has abated!

[Winchweight]

Window seal chap, just dealt with exactly the same. Bought a new seal from Brickwerks which fits perfectly. No rain getting in yesterday or overnight.

[argon]

had the same problem,but it wasn't the window seals,have a look at the rubber seal behind the VW badge,

[Jeavsy]

Thanks Argon - will have a look. Much appreciated.

[SamsBus2012]

Also check the holes at the top of the tailgate (cable routes for rear wash/central locking/heated rear window are sealed either with a bung or the flexible cable ducts which run from the body to the hatch

[argon]

forgot to mention,it also leaks through the lock, you have to remove the door card on the tailgate,and just run a bead of mastic round the inside of the lock. also i drilled three 6 mm drain holes in the bottom lip of the tailgate, one in the middle and one each end.