Carpet wet - common leak points? Options

[asdrewq]

Hi all,

I noticed my passenger side (RHD JDM) footwell carpet was very wet recently after a heavy rain storm. Are there any common places to check for leaks?
The window seals look ok to me and stays in contact with the glass, and it dosen't look like the sunroof is leaking.

Thanks for any help.

[Box]

Check that the sunroof drain isn't clogged.

[asdrewq]

Is there a guide anywhere to checking the sunroof drains? I have the Toyota workshop manuals in PDF form - are the details in there?

[Box]

Someone on here has posted something about it. I want to say the drain is at the back of the sunroof.

[JoshuaM]

I am planning to write a guide for doing it. I have had a similar experience back in march - my rear sunroof drains were blocked, so when I drove off about 1/2 liter of water would fall down my back from the sunroof housing! A good way to check if this is the case is after rain to slide your sunroof shade cover all the way back, then back out again and see if it is wet. A more professional way is to get a jug of water and pour it in the corners of your sunroof (may need to move car so that it is on the right slope to test each of the 4 drains) and see if water comes out on the ground.

I took HEAPS of photos when I pulled mine out, and can probably have a full write up done in the next couple of days?

In the meantime, I found that reverse parking my car up inclines (allowing all water to drain from the front) stopped my car from getting wet.

[badboy666]

Hello there!, had the same problem both sides. Undo the wheel arch liner and you'll see to rubber grommets on the A pillar, simply put silicone sealant around them to seal it (same on both sides). Easier doing it from the outside in as theres a plasticky/foam cover on the inside you'll need to pull to bits!.

Unblocking the sunroof drains: White wire cable you buy for hanging net curtains is ideal diameter and length to simply poke down and clear (you'll see the wire coming out the bottom of the car near the sill)

Guarantee you it's the grommets that need sealed!

[asdrewq]

Hi there,

I currently have the wheelarch liner off, but cannot see any rubber grommets where the drain exits from the body of the car - do you have any pictures of where to look?

[asdrewq]

I tried pouring some water into the sunroof drain holes on each of the front corners, and it looks like it is exiting the car on the sill next to the front sill jacking point - is this right?

sorry I misinterpreted waht you said - these rubber grommets on the a pillar are not for the sunroof drain hoses correct? I'm not sure it is these that are letting in water as the car has not moved for 3 weeks. won't water only leak past these rubber grommets when driving?

[badboy666]

I tried pouring some water into the sunroof drain holes on each of the front corners, and it looks like it is exiting the car on the sill next to the front sill jacking point - is this right?

sorry I misinterpreted waht you said - these rubber grommets on the a pillar are not for the sunroof drain hoses correct? I'm not sure it is these that are letting in water as the car has not moved for 3 weeks. won't water only leak past these rubber grommets when driving?

Half way up the A pillar you'll see a rubber grommet then above that anothe one letting the wiring into the car. These are the two (on each side of the car) you'll need to seal around. Water runs down the windscreen between the wing and the door getting in there and soaking your carpet.

[storm26]

I'm sorry to stealing this thread, but I have similar problem, but my car doesn't have a sunroof, and when its raining my passenger side carpet is wet (car is LHD). Can anyone help me what to do and what to seal, because its frustrating me thanks in advance

[JoshuaM]

I'm sorry to stealing this thread, but I have similar problem, but my car doesn't have a sunroof, and when its raining my passenger side carpet is wet (car is LHD). Can anyone help me what to do and what to seal, because its frustrating me thanks in advance

What badboy666 is saying will apply regardless of sunroof. I think the problem was just initially mis-diagnosed.

[trdproven]

sounds like its leaking from the firewall side or that corner there. seen it before, pull your carpet and spray a hose while someone looks inside for leaks.

[Special_Edy]

Have you checked the drain plugs on the floorboards? There are rubber grommets on the floorboards that can be removed in order to drain liquids from the low spots inside the car(i.e. a spilt beverage or window left down and it rained). Climb under the car or pull back the carpet and verify that these grommets are securely in place. If they arent your carpet WILL get wet if you drive in heavy rain.

It also wouldnt hurt to check the A/C drain hose. Its located on the right side of the firewall(pass side on LHD) and runs from the bottom of the evaporator inside the cabin through the firewall where it makes a 90° bend downwards and comes to an abrupt end. If it becomes clogged(bacteria growth?) it will cause the evaporator to leak inside the cabin, onto either the passengerside or driverside(mine would leak on my right foot while driving)


Anyways, just some divergent thinking, hope it helps.

This post has been edited by Special_Edy: Dec 5, 2012 - 12:06 PM

[asdrewq]

I've found where the water appears inside now - there is a black butyl surface with a foam backing, just behind and to the right of the throttle pedal. it is a bit cracked from being kicked presumably but I don't think that matters. The foam component of this material is soaked through. Unless a sunroof hose could be leaking onto this I'm confident it is the rubber grommets badboy mentioned causing the leak, although they did look in good condition when I had the wheelarch lining off last week...

I will attempt to seal them up at the weekend and will report back with how successful it is! Thanks for the help everybody.

PS - Is there a guide anywhere to removing the carpet? I need to dry it out now!

This post has been edited by asdrewq: Dec 6, 2012 - 12:33 PM

[Special_Edy]

Shop vac or a carpet shampooing machine.

The coined money(quarters in the states) vacuums at the self-service car-wash will pick 99% of the water up

This post has been edited by Special_Edy: Dec 6, 2012 - 1:13 PM

[asdrewq]

Shop vac or a carpet shampooing machine.

The coined money(quarters in the states) vacuums at the self-service car-wash will pick 99% of the water up

I did think about that, but it is the insulation material on the back of the carpet that is soaked through which needs drying properly. I think a vac would rip it apart if I used it directly on the insulation. I had to do the exact same thing in my old MR2 when that leaked.

[Galcobar]

A vacuum does tend to do bad things to the felt carpet backing.

Unfortunately, to remove the carpet you more or less have to disassemble your interior -- at least if you want to be able to put the carpet back securely afterwards. Front and back seats, centre console, door sills, rear trim panels, dead pedal all need to be pulled out.

Once it's out, I suggest a hair dryer.

[Special_Edy]

I say shampoo the affected area then vacuum it thoroughly. Its still in the 70's and 80's here in Texas but where you live you may need to park it in the garage with a space heater to evaporate the remaining moisture.
Im sure the low outside temperature(means lower humidity) would serve to your advantage if you can raise the temperature on the floorboard or in the garage overnight.

I suppose you could pour a cup of rice on the carpet and let it do its trick.

[badboy666]

I've found where the water appears inside now - there is a black butyl surface with a foam backing, just behind and to the right of the throttle pedal. it is a bit cracked from being kicked presumably but I don't think that matters. The foam component of this material is soaked through. Unless a sunroof hose could be leaking onto this I'm confident it is the rubber grommets badboy mentioned causing the leak, although they did look in good condition when I had the wheelarch lining off last week...

I will attempt to seal them up at the weekend and will report back with how successful it is! Thanks for the help everybody.

PS - Is there a guide anywhere to removing the carpet? I need to dry it out now!

Asrewq thats exactly the bit I was on about! Run your sealant around the grommets and it'll stop the water coming in. That butyl with the foam was absolutely sodden in mine (so just ripped it out). Hope thats you sorted now. where are you in UK??