So I am looking at getting a 2004 Toyota 4Runner Sport, upon inspection at Carmax, I noticed that the roof rack was missing and the holes were not plugged. They would not let me test drive the car because they noticed leaks near the rear side windows on both sides. Could this be from those holes? Where does the water from those holes go? Should this be an immediate red flag for possibly more damage? Any advice or anything else I can look for woule be great. Loving the site guys!
Unplugged roof rack holes
- Thread starter plnuchris
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stanleybb50
New member
I would personally think the sunroof drains would cause the leak you mentioned... But it could very well be the rack as you mentioned.
Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in.
Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in.
Suprareal
New member
This happened to my 3rd gen. I had a missing bolt on the rack strip and it leaked like you wouldent imagine (it filled up a pair of shoes, my entire headliner perimeter, and my cargo area carpet ) I vacuumed out water for hours and it smelled like crazy. I replaced the bolt and used sealant in all the holes and it stopped. So yes if the 4th gen is the same design it will leak.
gaterose
Senior Member
The leak is definitely from the bolt holes.
I forgot to seal my bolt holes with silicone when I installed my Gobi rack and it leaked (as said) in both rear windows, as well as down the front A pillars. If it's been that way for long it could be a big problem as far as mildew/mold in the carpet/padding.
I forgot to seal my bolt holes with silicone when I installed my Gobi rack and it leaked (as said) in both rear windows, as well as down the front A pillars. If it's been that way for long it could be a big problem as far as mildew/mold in the carpet/padding.
It could possibly be the windows if they were replaced since they are held in place with adhesive, but my guess would be the most logical bolts from the rack, but you should have leaks in 4 places since the racks have 4 mounting spots. In any case, finds another 4 Runner. You don't want that hassle. I wonder how that passed the carmax inspection?
stanleybb50
New member
Good to know on the plugs & sealant.
I used silicone sealant from Lowes when I installed my BajaRack.
has it held up well to the elements so far, i.e. no leaks?
Yep. I bought the GE window silicone. Good stuff.
