water ingress to tailgate

EmilysDad

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Does anyone know if there are any particular leak points on the tailgate of a R Class? (guessing ML will be similar) :confused:
After periods of rain, when the tail gate is lifted, I get water running out of the top corner trim piece (obviously it's now upside down), I lift it slightly away from the metal & loads of water will run out. There's also water within the main body of the tailgate. I just assumed that it was the seal around the tailgate, but looking at it today, just wondered if water could be going past the actual glass somewhere. Upper trim pieces are now removed, but will try & remove the large panel from the tailgate itself
 

Mark A

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If it is like the ML, then the common leak points are rear light cluster seal and the 3rd brake light seal.
 
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EmilysDad

EmilysDad

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If it is like the ML, then the common leak points are rear light cluster seal and the 3rd brake light seal.
Thanks. Rear lights are in thevwings, but definitely look at the 3rd brake light. :)
 

M80

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On a few Mercs I've peeled off the rear door seal (edit: sorry tailgate seal),
cleaned with white spirit,
and applied a bead of silicon sealant (black) around the edge of the metal lip,
before refitting the seal.

I traced ingress to water running from the top,
then about halfway down the sides it was getting in around the lip on the inside of the seal.
 
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EmilysDad

EmilysDad

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I've ignored it for ages :oops: but need to sit in the back while someone else hoses the back of the car.
 

M80

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When the inside is totally dry, wipe white chalk over suspect ingress areas, or dark chalk depending if the vehicle is light coloured.
 
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EmilysDad

EmilysDad

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When the inside is totally dry, wipe white chalk over suspect ingress areas, or dark chalk depending if the vehicle is light coloured.

I'd never noticed water in the car itself until I emptied my spare wheel well recently. Fortunately there's a drain grommet thingy in the bottom, but water had obviously been there.
I've got the top part of the trim off so far ...... needless to say that even though it piddlled it down last night, there didn't appear to be any water around the usual places when I opened the tailgate this morning :confused:
I thought ALL R Class were silver ....... :rolleyes:
 

M80

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You might have trouble getting black chalk though.

But seriously, maybe stick skinny masking tape down the inside, that might saturate and lift.
 
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EmilysDad

EmilysDad

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You might have trouble getting black chalk though.
I'll see what I raid out of my grand daughter's toy box :rolleyes:


But seriously, maybe stick skinny masking tape down the inside, that might saturate and lift.
Good idea ;)
 
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EmilysDad

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I removed the main rear trim panel today. There appeared to be water marks from below the tailgate handle, and I could see light from the under side of it. Not sure how water could run upwards...... but silicone sealed it.

It's piddling down outside at the moment so I'll look tomorrow ..... fingers crossed :)
 

peterws1957

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I removed the main rear trim panel today. There appeared to be water marks from below the tailgate handle, and I could see light from the under side of it. Not sure how water could run upwards...... but silicone sealed it.

It's piddling down outside at the moment so I'll look tomorrow ..... fingers crossed :)
Good bit of diagnosis there:)
 

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