Known issue with roof rack (stock) leaking? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

GrantK · 02-16-2013, 01:13 PM

Not an after-market rack, bone stock and no, I don't see a leak.

After removing the cargo area side panels and C pillar trim panels I found a tube (~1/2" OD) running from under the head liner on each side, down the C pillars to the back of the wheel wells. There aren't any wires in the tube and I haven't pulled the head liner but these show every indication of being drain tubes.

It makes me wonder if Toyota either has had problems with roof racks leaking or are they being proactive (less likely do to cost). Just thinking and contemplating. I
t might be possible to mod it to pick up any leaks from installing a different roof rack.

1engineer · 02-16-2013, 02:09 PM

Does your vehicle have a sunroof? If so then that's probably the drains for the sunroof.

GrantK · 02-16-2013, 02:17 PM

Yes, it has a sunroof. That might be what it's for but being on both sides makes me think it's for the rack. I'll have to pull the head liner and find the point of origin and see what its connected to.

[EDIT]
Here's a pic of the pink tube I'm talking about. The one on the left side has the same routing but is baby blue.
[/EDIT]

adam2562 · 02-16-2013, 05:32 PM

every toyota i've had back to my 90 celica has had drains and they've all had moonroofs so i don't know if they are on the cars without moonroofs

Yogi56 · 02-17-2013, 12:15 AM

Pour some water in the tracks of your sunroof and see what happens. Doubt if the roof rack is leaking...

Stu-Runner · 02-17-2013, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1engineer

Does your vehicle have a sunroof? If so then that's probably the drains for the sunroof.

Same as above. Those drians are definitely for the sunroof.

Stu

harper7 · 02-17-2013, 01:27 AM

Yep, sliding moonroof drains . There are actually 4 of them with two going to the front and 2 to the rear.
Not sure what the difference is between a moonroof and a sunroof but Toyota calls it a moonroof?

EDIT: OK ,researched and learned something new.....
"sunroof" is the term originally used to describe a metal panel that would only allow light or air in when opened. A "moonroof," on the other hand, is a glass panel that can allow light in even when it is closed.

nicola8899 · 02-17-2013, 01:49 AM

Pour some water in the tracks of your sunroof and the results of came out,Motorcycle Accessory welcome to here

GrantK · 02-17-2013, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harper7

Yep, sliding moonroof drains . There are actually 4 of them with two going to the front and 2 to the rear.
Not sure what the difference is between a moonroof and a sunroof but Toyota calls it a moonroof?

Good research and find! Nice to know that it's for the sun/moon/stars sliding glass panel. Now I have to pay more attention when cleaning to try and get water through them to clean them clear.

Stu-Runner · 02-17-2013, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantK

Good research and find! Nice to know that it's for the sun/moon/stars sliding glass panel. Now I have to pay more attention when cleaning to try and get water through them to clean them clear.

I've had luck on one of my older trucks using compressed air to clear obstructions in the drain lines. When I bought it, it had been sitting for while and had a bunch of tree goo and debris clogged in the lines. Just find the upper holes in the moodroof track and go to town.

Stu

SkipH · 03-02-2020, 03:54 PM

I have a 2nd gen ('95) 4Runner with a sun roof and do have some leaking from the headliner just behind the passenger side rear-seat. I can't get dealer to touch it because if they "break something" they can't get parts.

I'm trying to understand a few things (while it rains, & I have a tarp over the top of the 4-funner, for a week so is impossible to test where the "input" for where input-drain is that is part of the path of the water that's leaking):
a) Are the only drains that this leak could be the ones from the sunroof or are there actual drains for/under both sides of the roof-rack too?
b) Any tips on taking the plastic molding off without breaking it, or a fastener?

Thanks much!

kenwilliams0803 · 03-04-2020, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu-Runner

I've had luck on one of my older trucks using compressed air to clear obstructions in the drain lines. When I bought it, it had been sitting for while and had a bunch of tree goo and debris clogged in the lines. Just find the upper holes in the moodroof track and go to town.

Stu

I use a fairly thick weed whacker line and fish it through. Usually works very well as floss.

Just be careful with either method because you can push/blow the lines off their fittings which will cause you serious leaks.

SkipH · 03-04-2020, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwilliams0803

I use a fairly thick weed whacker line and fish it through. Usually works very well as floss.

Just be careful with either method because you can push/blow the lines off their fittings which will cause you serious leaks.

Thanks much! So is the leak most likely the drain hose/hole from the sunroof? I found a youtube video that looks like it might be it (my leak is from the headliner just behind the passenger-side rear pillar) and looks like what I'll need to try is pretty well shown starting at about 12:00 in YouTube (assuming I find the drainage tube there after the downpour or rain stops).

Does all that sounds about right?

Site Navigation