Help- leaks when it rains above driver’s left shoulder

[CelticRunner]

Been trying to research this issue and thought I found the culprit when I noticed the weatherstripping on the roof was missing but after a little more research that doesnt appear to be the culprit (https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/291764-roof-weatherstripping-2.html#post3781829)

I only notice it when it pours, but in those cases the water seems to drop along the front left of the car and down into the dash (haven’t noticed any issues) or gets so saturated it just drips down onto the left side of the seat.

View from inside passenger seat looking up at spot: (red circle indicates location of spot; dashes indicate path of drips along front, by handle; verticals drips indicate drips down onto seat)

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Im wondering if it’s coming from the roof rack cover piece (these: Amazon.com: Tocatus Roof Cargo Rack Rail End Cover Shell Cap Trim for 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner 4WD N210, Black, 4pcs : Automotive).

Has anyone else had a similar issue? Someone suggested just caulking around these rail covers but Im sure theres a better solution.

 

[AuSeeker]

Been trying to research this issue and thought I found the culprit when I noticed the weatherstripping on the roof was missing but after a little more research that doesnt appear to be the culprit (https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/291764-roof-weatherstripping-2.html#post3781829)

I only notice it when it pours, but in those cases the water seems to drop along the front left of the car and down into the dash (haven’t noticed any issues) or gets so saturated it just drips down onto the left side of the seat.

View from inside passenger seat looking up at spot: (red circle indicates location of spot; dashes indicate path of drips along front, by handle; verticals drips indicate drips down onto seat)

[/url][/IMG]


Im wondering if it’s coming from the roof rack cover piece (these: Amazon.com: Tocatus Roof Cargo Rack Rail End Cover Shell Cap Trim for 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner 4WD N210, Black, 4pcs : Automotive).

Has anyone else had a similar issue? Someone suggested just caulking around these rail covers but Im sure theres a better solution.

Those trim pieces for the roof rack brackets don't seal anything, they are only "trim" pieces, it could be leaking where the bracket screws to the roof, if I were to try and chaulk anything it would be the bracket to the roof, actually where the bolts/screws go into the roof is where it could be leaking, you would have to carefully remove the trim pieces to do that, but be careful as they tend to break from being brittle from sun exposure.

 

[CelticRunner]

Those trim pieces for the roof rack brackets don't seal anything, they are only "trim" pieces, it could be leaking where the bracket screws to the roof, if I were to try and chaulk anything it would be the bracket to the roof, actually where the bolts/screws go into the roof is where it could be leaking, you would have to carefully remove the trim pieces to do that, but be careful as they tend to break from being brittle from sun exposure.

Thanks, I was wondering if it could be something under there. Off to YouTube for videos…

 

[Syr4RinNC]

You do not have a sun roof correct?

 

[shine]

Might be worthwhile to remove the A-pillar cover and see if that helps pinpoint the source of the leak. Just remove the handle by snapping off the covers and removing 2 bolts with a 10mm socket. Then you can just pull the cover up and out.

My best guess is water coming in from the seal around the windshield.

 

[Ph03n1x24]

Those trim pieces for the roof rack brackets don't seal anything, they are only "trim" pieces, it could be leaking where the bracket screws to the roof, if I were to try and chaulk anything it would be the bracket to the roof, actually where the bolts/screws go into the roof is where it could be leaking, you would have to carefully remove the trim pieces to do that, but be careful as they tend to break from being brittle from sun exposure.

A leak coming from the A-pillar is common when the drain for the sunroof (if applicable) is clogged with debris. Open the sunroof and clean the drain channel as well as the drain tube. Pour some water down the channel to make sure it's draining properly. I used a bicycle brake cable to clear the drain on mine when I had the same issue.

If you do not have a sunroof then it's likely a bad windshield seal.

Caution: Water coming down the A-pillar can get behind your dash along the firewall and wreak havoc with critical electrical connections located there.

 

[CelticRunner]

You do not have a sun roof correct?

Correct, no sun roof, which is why I was so surprised. Still haven’t identified the cause and haven’t had time to try to take off the roof rack (though I’m a little concerned I’ll just break something else/more)