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Trunk water leak - upper left

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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 11:55 AM
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Default Trunk water leak - upper left

Hello all, I've been searching and reading the past threads and couldn't find information about the leak I am facing right now. Please comment if you have experienced this type of leak or to lead me some directions. Really appreciate as water leak is super troublesome and difficult to diagnosis.

After looking right and left, I found the upper left of the inside trunk full of water droplet. The right side is rather dry. Vancouver winter... Raining 3 months non-stop right now. Outdoor parking is my only option. So, even looking inside the trunk got me to jump in and out during some short rain stoppage so far.
The inside of this section is found dropping water
The inside of this section is found dropping water

Here's my struggle on physics. Water only runs down not up. Does that mean water must be leaked above the observed wet area? The top of the left side is all wet as the photos shown. But there is not much on top of this area other than the steel body.
Inside view
Inside view
Inside view above the left taillamp
Inside view above the left taillamp

Anyone knows how the trim pieces are held in place? Is it possible rain water leaks through the trim and body mating surface? What is the factory weather seal on these trim pieces? I bought this car two years ago understanding the right side involved some minor accident. Although the leak is on the left side, any possibility someone took the trunk lid out and poorly reinstalled it causing leakage?
leak through the trim pieces possible?
leak through the trim pieces possible?

Another perspective I look at the hinge of the trunk lid. On open and close, does my video show abnormal movement? I tried to tighten the two 12mm bolt but they weren't loss to begin with. Is there gasket inside that's known to be leaky?

What would you guys suggest? Thank you.
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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 12:04 PM
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Does that bolt thread to the inside of the trunk?
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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 12:06 PM
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Yes they do. I can see the bolts inside the trunk liners.
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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 12:15 PM
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A secondary searching: trunk stopper cover trim. Unfortunately I cannot make sense from what I found. Please help.
the part circled in blue
the part circled in blue
The trim piece has two of those white taps from ebay photos
The trim piece has two of those white taps from ebay photos
But the water droplet trace above that white tabs from the trim piece. Can water goes up or that's the possible cause? Other potential causes?
But the water droplet trace above that white tabs from the trim piece. Can water goes up or that's the possible cause? Other potential causes?
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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 12:16 PM
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Clean up the area and fill in any voids using butyl tape
Amazon Amazon

I've fixed leaks on several cars using the above product, basically anywhere a fastener or clip goes through the body and into the trunk is a potential leak point.

Last edited by LeX2K; Dec 29, 2024 at 12:18 PM.
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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 12:52 PM
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Using butyl tape as a home-made gasket on the surrounding of the holes?
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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 01:01 PM
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Yep. For clips/fasteners going outside to in it's much better to apply sealer on the outside.
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Old Dec 29, 2024 | 09:31 PM
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I found Flex Seal locally available. Is it an alternative product to the butyl tape?

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Old Dec 30, 2024 | 12:12 AM
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Default Tail lamp gasket

Check the tail lamp gasket. If water is showing up in the rear junction box area then it’s the tail lamp gasket.
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Old Jan 1, 2025 | 02:13 PM
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Just pulled all trunk linner out, me got inside, wife garden hose the trunk. The leak is from the chassis weld line as shown on the picture where rust rather badly.




​​​​​
I am unprepared for this cause of leak and applied some silicone sealer on it

Anyone experienced such leak?
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Old Jan 1, 2025 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by pur
Anyone experienced such leak?
Yes this is a common failure on older cars. Your repair will work but rust never sleeps ideally that should be etched with phosphoric acid (like Ospho) then have rust paint applied.
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Old Jan 1, 2025 | 02:57 PM
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Will liquid film takes care with it?

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Old Jan 1, 2025 | 03:13 PM
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No that is rust prevention it doesn't create a water tight seal. Don't spray that on your rust if you do it will be nearly impossible to remove meaning nothing will adhere.
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