water leak by tailgate hinge

[sdelasal]

This is a 83 300td - after a heavy downpour I noticed a lot of water in the rear area next to the tailgate. Using a faithful old bottle of water trick I can see water coming thru next to the hing where the rubber is damaged. Cause of damage is the clip holding the wires to the rear tailgate is touching & tearing the rubber. Any suggestions ... Can I simply cut out damaged rubber & replace with good section - Replacing whole rubber looks tough & no doubt expensive.


Steve

 

[TimN]

I have the same problem myself for the same reason. As soon as I find a dumped vehicle with a suitable seal I will have it away. There can only be a few different designs. It only goes across the top. The verticle seals are glued into position. At the moment the small amount of water is caught my the cover stretched over the estate part from which it then evaporates.

There is an anoying split in the rubber seal on the driver's door just by the ear :x

 

[Spike]

Could you not do a temporary fix with some black silicin sealent?