Need advice on best way to repair tailgate leak at hinge Topic is solved

[jreed]

I found a new way that water can leak into the back of the wagon, and fixed it. Took some photos along the way in case anybody else finds water dripping down the trim and wetting the carpet in the tailgate area.

After removing the interior side trim, water drop visible after splashing a little water on the rear roof of the car (red arrow shows droplet hanging from metal).

Interior view, water drop above rear window

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Close up of droplet

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Once I understood where the water was coming in, I started searching for how the water was entering from the roof. I removed the little plastic end cap at the end of the trim and pried up the trim strip:

About to remove the end cap and pry up the trim. Red arrow indicates the location of the water entrance.

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I found a black rubber strip next to the yellow clamp:

Black rubber strip covers thru-hole. Water leaks past strip and enters car here.

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I removed the rubber strip, revealing the hole:

Hole

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Over the years, the rubber delaminated a bit and failed to seal the hole completely, allowing water to get in.
I sealed the hole with a sealant, reinstalled outer trim strip.

Hole sealed with sealant

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We had a couple rainstorms since I sealed the hole, and I verified it's stayed dry.
Just thought I'd describe the leak-hunt and repair in case anybody else is having the same problem.

[scot850]

As you probably know, those are the mounting holes for the roof rail bolts. They are a tar type, I guess, 'self-healing' type material so that when the bolt passes through it, it seals against the threads to stop it leaking. I've seen it leak there on roof rails as they age also.

Thanks for the education and taking the time to write it down. Mush appreciated!

Neil.

[matthew1]

This is in the VRD. Thanks @jreed!