Is water supposed to get into the rear hatch/tailgate?

[Harlock]

When it rains, my rear hatch is filling up with water. When I open the door after a storm, a large amount of water will pour out a small hole at the top of the door. After searching the forum, I bought and replaced the bottom window weatherstrip, which did not fix the issue. I've also read recommendations to clean the two black rubber plugs on the bottom of the door. I've pulled mine out and inspected them, but they are clean. That said, they are solid plugs without any sort of drainage holes. No water is getting into the inside of the vehicle. So I don't know if water is supposed to get inside some part of the tailgate and I have incorrect plugs, or if I have some sort of leak somewhere else that I need to fix.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Water should not be getting inside the liftgate. Sometimes water can sit along the steel near the hinges (outside weather stripping), but ideally this should run down the sides and out.

Id start with the weather stripping around the hatch glass (particularly along the bottom of the glass) on the outside and inside. This is common to dry out and fail. Check around the top brake light (if you dont have a spoiler).

Those are my thought for starting places

 

[MikeinNH67]

I don't think there's a way to completely stop water from getting inside the liftgate which is why there are drains at the bottom. I think I pulled my plastic drains out completely plus replaced the lower horizontal weatherstrip, I don't recall ever having water stay in there since doing this.

 

[EHNWI]

If you remove the plugs completely, it might be worth putting in some sort of mesh to stop bugs or bees from getting in there and making a nest. Mine are also regular plugs without drains. I don't think I have ever had a large amount of water in there, but there has definitely been some and some moisture buildup. The yellow vapor barrier was also not sealed when I checked on it recently.

 

[biv117]

I had the same issue, haven't had the chance/haven't wanted to spend the money on new window rubber right now. I just removed the plugs completely and now whatever water gets in the tailgate just drains right out the bottom, which is good enough for me. I don't mind taking the plastic panel off and cleaning/blowing out any junk with compressed air a few times/year.

I would just take the plugs out completely.

 

[BackOff]

Mine has had water/dust/mud in the tailgate for some time.
Most seems to run down the bottom outer corner edges of the glass.
Then out the drains if they are not plugged.
Good 2 cups of mud came out of mine.

Not really sealed very good.
Just a car wash and there is water in the tailgate.

Just got a new seal i will try.
$30.63...about a 8 day delivery, looks OEM

68290-35031 - Genuine Toyota Parts

 

[EHNWI]

Mine has had water/dust/mud in the tailgate for some time.
Most seems to run down the bottom outer corner edges of the glass.
Then out the drains if they are not plugged.
Good 2 cups of mud came out of mine.

Not really sealed very good.
Just a car wash and there is water in the tailgate.

Just got a new seal i will try.
$30.63...about a 8 day delivery, looks OEM

68290-35031 - Genuine Toyota Parts

I ordered that one a couple weeks ago and just installed it this week. Really simple. I did the driver and passenger strip as well because they were cracked all over.

 

[CarlosV]

When it rains, my rear hatch is filling up with water. When I open the door after a storm, a large amount of water will pour out a small hole at the top of the door. After searching the forum, I bought and replaced the bottom window weatherstrip, which did not fix the issue. I've also read recommendations to clean the two black rubber plugs on the bottom of the door. I've pulled mine out and inspected them, but they are clean. That said, they are solid plugs without any sort of drainage holes. No water is getting into the inside of the vehicle. So I don't know if water is supposed to get inside some part of the tailgate and I have incorrect plugs, or if I have some sort of leak somewhere else that I need to fix.

Those rubber plugs (OEM) do have 1 o 2 little holes in each, easy to get block with dirt. I recently cleaned mines. Also 1 metal hole at the 2 bottom corners of the gate (pics posted here somewhere)

It is my understanding after reading many posts (mainly here, thanks guys) the rear gate is designed to allow some water ingress and drained at the bottom. Fresh weatherstrip will minimize amount.

 

[Harlock]

Thank you! As mentioned, I did replace the bottom weatherstrip, which was stupid-easy. Installing it took less time to do than taking the part out of the plastic bag. Mine was really worn out, but replacing it did nothing to stop the water.

When I replaced the lower strip, I did see some wear on the upper strip at the bottom left and right corners of the window. So, based on your advice, I will go ahead and order a replacement to install.

Check around the top brake light (if you dont have a spoiler).

I did not even think about the brake light! I'll check that too!

Mine are also regular plugs without drains. I don't think I have ever had a large amount of water in there, but there has definitely been some and some moisture buildup.

It seems odd that the plugs at the bottom are solid since some moisture would have to get in due to the window. My 4Runner is also an 2007 (SR5 4WD). Did Toyota make different plugs with drain holes for other years/generations? If so, I wonder if they'd fit ours.

 

[CarlosV]

It seems odd that the plugs at the bottom are solid since some moisture would have to get in due to the window. My 4Runner is also an 2007 (SR5 4WD). Did Toyota make different plugs with drain holes for other years/generations? If so, I wonder if they'd fit ours.

Will try to take pics of my plugs tomorrow and post. Mine is 2003.

 

[Bigcanoe]

Anyone have a link to the proper part to order for the weatherstripping?

 

[Harlock]

Anyone have a link to the proper part to order for the weatherstripping?

You need Toyota Part# 68290-35031

 

[Malarkey]

Had this problem too, popped the hatch after 2-3 days of heavy rain and a couple quarts of water dumped out. New weather stripping fixed it, took 10 min.

 

[Harlock]

Had this problem too, popped the hatch after 2-3 days of heavy rain and a couple quarts of water dumped out. New weather stripping fixed it, took 10 min.

Did you replace the upper weatherstripping? If so, was it pull-off, snap-in just like the lower piece?

 

[MikeinNH67]

Anyone have a link to the proper part to order for the weatherstripping?

I got mine from Amazon, it is OEM.

Amazon.com: TOYOTA Genuine 68290-35031 Door Glass Weatherstrip Assembly: Automotive

 

[CarlosV]

Thank you! As mentioned, I did replace the bottom weatherstrip, which was stupid-easy. Installing it took less time to do than taking the part out of the plastic bag. Mine was really worn out, but replacing it did nothing to stop the water.

It seems odd that the plugs at the bottom are solid since some moisture would have to get in due to the window. My 4Runner is also an 2007 (SR5 4WD). Did Toyota make different plugs with drain holes for other years/generations? If so, I wonder if they'd fit ours.

Pics from today

 

[EHNWI]

Yep mine aren't like this either. They are just straight solid plugs. I too wonder why some of us have solid and some with drains.

 

[AuSeeker]

Yep mine aren't like this either. They are just straight solid plugs. I too wonder why some of us have solid and some with drains.

I would of thought all the "plug/drains" would be the same, but apparently not...BUT I see it as a easy fix with a small drill bit....drill two small holes in the "plugs" which would make them drains!!

 

[GupsT4R]

i damaged the window seal scraping ice a few winters ago and started getting water into rear hatch. Replaced with OEM. No problems since.

 

[Harlock]

Pics from today

Thanks for the pics! Here's mine:

Which looks like it might drain around that center button area. But no.

Also, my plugs are toward the center of the door instead of near the sides as it looks like yours are. I think yours are in a better location for draining.

It also looks like your plugs fit in a square opening. Mine fit a round hole.