4th gen sunroof rear drain exit location

[atrain0007]

I poked around the forum and google and could find some info on earlier generations, but I cant find anything specific to my 2008 sport (not that the model probably matters). The earlier generations discussions (pictures and videos too) I've seen make it seem like the rear passenger side one is right out in the open, but that the drivers side one is tucked under some panel.

I cant find either. I can see the driver side line line through the access panel where the jack and spare wheel tools live) and it looks like it exits the car right there under the bumper panel. Im assuming the passenger side is in the same basic area. I cannot see the tubes from the underside.

Do I need to take off the bumper panel?

Im trying to find them so I can blow some air through and make sure all of the drains are clear. I took care of the front ones already.

Thanks in advance.

 

[NinjaOne]

I poked around the forum and google and could find some info on earlier generations, but I cant find anything specific to my 2008 sport (not that the model probably matters). The earlier generations discussions (pictures and videos too) I've seen make it seem like the rear passenger side one is right out in the open, but that the drivers side one is tucked under some panel.

I cant find either. I can see the driver side line line through the access panel where the jack and spare wheel tools live) and it looks like it exits the car right there under the bumper panel. Im assuming the passenger side is in the same basic area. I cannot see the tubes from the underside.

Do I need to take off the bumper panel?

Im trying to find them so I can blow some air through and make sure all of the drains are clear. I took care of the front ones already.

Thanks in advance.

I wondered what that hose was for, thanks

No idea, sorry... but it sounds like something I might consider doing. Also need to wipe down the moonroof seals, been squeaking a little bit recently.

 

[iBison]

If you run some weed trimmer string down the holes from the sunroof you should be able to clear them out.

Photos here. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/55441-joshs-build-thread-11.html#post716765

 

[atrain0007]

I used that method on the front, but there is no access to the back drain holes without some disassembly. I have read that means either the headliner or part of the sunroof assembly has to come out. That is the reason I'm trying to find the drain hose on the exit side.

If that truly means taking off the bumper then I'd consider getting at the drain hose from the top if it was easier...

 

[sr3tlaw]

I used that method on the front, but there is no access to the back drain holes without some disassembly. I have read that means either the headliner or part of the sunroof assembly has to come out. That is the reason I'm trying to find the drain hose on the exit side.

If that truly means taking off the bumper then I'd consider getting at the drain hose from the top if it was easier...

I think I can be of help. My sunroof drains were clogged and I still currently have my headliner taken off. When I get home, I will post pictures of everything that you're talking about.

In short, to access them from the FRONT end of of the hose. You'll need to remove the headliner.

 

[NuclearN8]

I always thought the clear plastic tube routed through the jack space on the drive side rear was the sunroof drain. I suppose you could just follow that down to find the exit if it is the rear drain. You may or may not have to remove the bumper cover to find it, either way, wouldn't you want to blow the air from the sunroof down, not vice versa to prevent fighting gravity?

edit: just noticed there are 4 drains by reading the above linked post. never knew that... good stuff

and a lil searching found this: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/54845-where-do-sunroof-drains-exit.html#post673921

 

[atrain0007]

Nate,

I saw that thread too. I think its for a gen 2 (90's 4runner). I cant find the drain hose on my 2008 and I bet the location is slightly changed.

I would prefer to clean it out from the top, but access is the key for me. If I don't have to pull the headliner, that would be great, But if I have to pull off the bumper, then I guess I need to decide what's easier; the bumper or the headliner.

I was hoping to get someone to confirm location and maybe opine on what's easier better - bumper or headline removal.

 

[SSt4r]

I haven't found the drain exit yet but pulling the bumper cover will be easier. For the headliner, you have to remove all the side trim panels starting at the bottom.

 

[atrain0007]

wrap up - bumper panel removal

I had a chance to finally get to this (a big rain and soggy headliner forced the issue). These friggin' pine needles up here clogged the front drains again... Its about 15 10mm screws, 6 body clips, and 2 10mm bolts to remove the bumper panel.

Start with the screws (~6 per side) and clips (2 per side) on the mudflaps and pull the mudflaps off. On the passenger side, you can see the drain tube once the mudflap is removed. I was able to get my compressor air nozzle on the drain without taking the bumper off at all. But since I wanted to do both sides, on I went.

Then remove the rest of the screws and bolts. The only tricky ones are the one on each side hiding under the bumper panel, at the top, behind the mudflap. With these (and the rest out of the way), the last thing to do is to pull away the panel from the car (gentle tug did it for me). There are about 3 clips along the side of the car where the bumper panel attached to the body panel above.

At that point I had access to both drain ports. I blew a bunch of air through the hoses, blew out the drain trap the best I could from above, dumped water into the trap to see the lines were clear, rinsed and repeated.

The pesky pine needles seen to regularly find their way past the sunroof seal, but I'm hoping this will keep the drains clear for a while. If not, I'll be taking the headline down next time. Hope it helps someone.

 

[80sMetalForever]

I had a chance to finally get to this (a big rain and soggy headliner forced the issue). These friggin' pine needles up here clogged the front drains again... Its about 15 10mm screws, 6 body clips, and 2 10mm bolts to remove the bumper panel.

Start with the screws (~6 per side) and clips (2 per side) on the mudflaps and pull the mudflaps off. On the passenger side, you can see the drain tube once the mudflap is removed. I was able to get my compressor air nozzle on the drain without taking the bumper off at all. But since I wanted to do both sides, on I went.

Then remove the rest of the screws and bolts. The only tricky ones are the one on each side hiding under the bumper panel, at the top, behind the mudflap. With these (and the rest out of the way), the last thing to do is to pull away the panel from the car (gentle tug did it for me). There are about 3 clips along the side of the car where the bumper panel attached to the body panel above.

At that point I had access to both drain ports. I blew a bunch of air through the hoses, blew out the drain trap the best I could from above, dumped water into the trap to see the lines were clear, rinsed and repeated.

The pesky pine needles seen to regularly find their way past the sunroof seal, but I'm hoping this will keep the drains clear for a while. If not, I'll be taking the headline down next time. Hope it helps someone.

So this process is to get to the exit of the FRONT or REAR drains? I just ask cuz the front holes are accessible but the rears aren't so wasn't sure if you went through all this for the fronts. I'm looking for how to access the rears so I can blow them out. thx

 

[Drakethefirst]

It would be great if someone could post pictures of the 4th gen drain exit locations. I removed both my mud flaps and opened up the panel and did not see any tubes. I removed the plastic panel inside the car and can just barely see the tube that runs down to the outside of the car, but for the life of me can't find it on the outside.