Water somehow getting in on driver front side?

[ReconcileUs]

On my 1999 4Runner my front driver carpet is damp. It just rained last night and it's even more damp so I know it's an external water problem. The issue is I don't know where the water is coming from. I changed the driver door weatherstripping OEM recently so I know it isn't that.

I saw this thread
Water getting in thru firewall

I had an aftermarket radio/subwoofer installed maybe 7-8 months ago. I know they used 4 gauge copper and had to go through the firewall grommets. I haven't exactly opened up the kick panel and checked it because it seems so unlikely to me. But maybe I'm thinking about the probability the wrong way & after reading this thread above maybe I should check that.

Another thing is I don't know how long this issue has been there because I was using Husky/Weathertech floor mats so the issue was concealed from me for a while. I don't know if it was doing this before or after the sub installation.

Just seeking some guidance. It doesn't make sense how water is getting in.

 

[cl4Rk]

On my 1999 4Runner my front driver carpet is damp. It just rained last night and it's even more damp so I know it's an external water problem. The issue is I don't know where the water is coming from. I changed the driver door weatherstripping OEM recently so I know it isn't that.

I saw this thread
Water getting in thru firewall

I had an aftermarket radio/subwoofer installed maybe 7-8 months ago. I know they used 4 gauge copper and had to go through the firewall grommets. I haven't exactly opened up the kick panel and checked it because it seems so unlikely to me. But maybe I'm thinking about the probability the wrong way & after reading this thread above maybe I should check that.

Another thing is I don't know how long this issue has been there because I was using Husky/Weathertech floor mats so the issue was concealed from me for a while. I don't know if it was doing this before or after the sub installation.

Just seeking some guidance. It doesn't make sense how water is getting in.

Do you have a sunroof? If so, ensure that the drains are not clogged. Even though it seems odd, a clogged sunroof drain can result in a wet floor without other obvious symptoms. You can use warm soapy water, or snake the drains with string-trimmer line.

Here's a video by [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qalXo4etX3Q

 

[ReconcileUs]

I do have a sunroof. Didn't know it had drains.

 

[cl4Rk]

I do have a sunroof. Didn't know it had drains.

There are four drains that are piped down through the truck's pillars, and weep out the bottom of the pinch welds. Check out that video. Good luck!

EDIT: this might not be your issue, but it's worth a try.

 

[ReconcileUs]

There are four drains that are piped down through the truck's pillars, and weep out the bottom of the pinch welds. Check out that video. Good luck!

Yeah I checked out most of the video and it doesn't seem like this is my issue. Based upon how Timmy explains it. I'll check it out anyway though.

 

[cl4Rk]

Yeah I checked out most of the video and it doesn't seem like this is my issue. Based upon how Timmy explains it. I'll check it out anyway though.

Yeah it might not be your issue. Be sure to keep us posted if you figure it out.

FWIW, I do remember reading about someone with clogged drains who reported that the leak only presented itself as water pooled on the driver side floor, and that the water was leaking down behind the headboard and kick panel such that it was not obvious where it was coming from. Of course YMMV.

 

[Humble Leader]

have you tried reproducing this leak with a garden hose. the first step is reproducing and getting some pictures of the leak in action. you should be able to quickly identify the leak if you use a garden hose. maybe get someone else to help observe or set up a camera if you are by yourself

there are numerous causes for water leaks so see if you can narrow it down a bit so we can help you better

 

[ReconcileUs]

So, I opened the kick panel and I found a bunch of wires not even routed through the firewall grommet...

I want to put my water hose somewhere to verify that this water is coming through, but I'm not exactly sure where to position the hose. I'm assuming near the end of the hood near the windshield?

Also, since this grommet wasn't properly utilized, the best way to fix this is probably to make a slit across the grommet so it can be removed from the wires that it IS around and then reinstall it around all the wires, fixing the slit I make with with some black silicone sealant? Good plan?

Alright, back outside...

 

[Humble Leader]

I realize you have a 3rd gen, I have a 5th gen and what I notice on mine is that a small amount of water will drip into the engine bay near that same grommet on my fire wall - since mine is sealed nothing enters the cabin. most drains through the cowl drain down the fender but the plastic clip holding the cowl allows some water into the engine bay (it's not meant to be a water tight clip) I bet that's happening to yours and the water is running in along those wires into the cabin and onto the carpet.

I know people have used an RTV type of silicone for their grommets with success

 

[ReconcileUs]

Ok, so I put the hose on it and water is absolutely getting in through there.

When looking directly at the hole as shown in the photo. There are no signs of water. Which concerned me and is the main reason why I wanted to reproduce the water getting in. So why no clear signs? The water is going BEHIND that black rubbery material that's in the kick area. I need to seal this GOOD, immediately.

 

[ReconcileUs]

So, sealing this isn't as easy as planned because that gromment can't be cut off, it actually extends down far into the engine bay on the factory wiring. I guess that's why none of the aftermarket equipment installers didn't do this properly.

I put some black RTV silicone on it but it's raining outside. Gonna need multiple coats. Now that I'm sitting here typing and thinking, it probably would've been best to use a fist sized amount of plumbers putty.

 

[tgreenwood75]

If those are simply power and ground to the battery, disconnect from your battery, pull them inside the cabin, put the grommet back in place and cut it to expand the slit where the factory wires enter. Then feed the wire properly through the grommet (will be a tight fit but not bad with the rigidity of that wire, could even use a clothes hanger as a snake if needed) and reattach to the battery.

Once it is properly routed, then use silicone/gasket maker/putty on the top to seal up the last little bit, but it can be much more sparing.

I find it hard to believe you will form a proper and permanent seal with the grommet removed like it currently is.

 

[ReconcileUs]

If those are simply power and ground to the battery, disconnect from your battery, pull them inside the cabin, put the grommet back in place and cut it to expand the slit where the factory wires enter. Then feed the wire properly through the grommet (will be a tight fit but not bad with the rigidity of that wire, could even use a clothes hanger as a snake if needed) and reattach to the battery.

Once it is properly routed, then use silicone/gasket maker/putty on the top to seal up the last little bit, but it can be much more sparing.

I find it hard to believe you will form a proper and permanent seal with the grommet removed like it currently is.

The grommet isn't simple a grommet it's like a knee high sock. It's a sleeve. I'm not gonna even try to tackle that because there's too many wires that would need to be moved. RTV Sillicone should do it, it'll seal.

 

[nissanh]

That's exactly what I was about to say: The robber grommet. Reinstall the grommet and place a rubber flap with some glue to the fire wall to divert any water to go over it. I have done it to my 4runner and my friends 03 Tacoma. No more leaks for past 7-10 years!

 

[Kanoe]

The grommet isn't simple a grommet it's like a knee high sock. It's a sleeve. I'm not gonna even try to tackle that because there's too many wires that would need to be moved. RTV Sillicone should do it, it'll seal.

That's not the best place for those cables to be run. I'd move them to another hole and restore that grommet to original.

If you have an auto you can use the clutch location or there is also a nice rubber plug above the gas pedal that can be drilled through and used for a passageway (I use this one - 5spd). Either would be a better choice.

In the photos it looks like you have the unprotected power wires on the metal hole edge. Might want to protect these somehow or at least make sure they are fused at the battery.