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1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
After months of attempts, I finally resolved the my leaky trunk issue with my 2000 9-3 SE 5 door. I had similar issues in the past with my 1994 900 SE coupe, but different solutions.
First of all, the hatch weather strip is not an inexpensive part and is rarely the cause of leakage unless it is torn or damaged. It is not hard to replace though. Even if it is torn you can buy a 3M weatherstrip repair compound that works very well sold at AutoZone. I had to use that when I ripped my weatherstripping around the front passenger door replacing the B pillar tape...this stuff works very well and is a permanent repair.
More common is leaks at the tailight gaskets and if your car is a five door Viggen, it likely has a leak in the same place my 00 9-3 did at the fuel filler tube gasket - what a boneheaded design this thing has and I am surprised it has not leaked all along.
Since you didn't say where the water was appearing here is what to do..be patient give your self an hour to investigate this.
1. remove black plastic panel at the hatch striker plate then loosen mouse fur side trunk linings
2. remove jack and spare tire from well
3. get a flashlight and observe for signs of wetness and any stains or signs of former leakage in the tailight areas (this is where the leak was in my NG900).
4. ensure sunroof and antenna drains are not crimped and are in place in their plugs.
5. look for stains or wetness in the area corresponding with the gas filler tube (this is where the leak was in my 9-3)
6. take a cup of water, open the gas flap and dump it in so that it fills up and starts dripping down the fender panel. Observe for about 5-10 minutes. If the level drops, go inside the trunk and observe the corresponding area for wetness or drips, you can dust it with talcum or baby powder for better contrast. This is a very common problem on five door cars.
7. If nothing so far, continue removing the mouse fur panel so you can see the bottom attachment point to the little window at the C pillar (five door only) or rear side window if it is a coupe (another leak site on my NG900) observe this area while someone outside blasts it with a hose. Talcum powder can again be used to enhance detection.
8. using a utility knife, cut out the U shaped slots at the top of the rear shock mounts, or continue removing the mouse fur panels so that you can see them. Rust, corrosion or perforation should not be present, look for signs of staining or water intrusion. This is more of a problem with cars exposed to lots of winter road salt.
9. Check that the rubber pugs are still in place in the spare tire well.
10. finally check hatch, first screw in the little rubber adjustable bumpers so that just about a full turn is exposed and they are both equal. Sit in trunk and observe for leaks while attendant sprays with a hose.
There you have it, all the potential leak sites for the NG900/9-3 hatches. When you positively locate it, search the archives or report back and we will provide a cost effective solution to fix the specific problem.
posted by 24.236.99...
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