Why am I leaking water?

[Jumpkix]

About a month ago, I noticed some moisture on the interior driver side cargo area. The carpet was damp, and there were droplets of water running down the window. I removed the overhead trim where the leak seemed to be coming from, but have had a very hard time pinpointing the source. Here's a few pics I snapped:





This leak seems to run from the driver side rear cargo area up through approximately the passenger overhead handle. Any ideas where this could possibly be coming from?

 

[Scramble]

I don't have a sunroof but on my 01 Accord my drain holes were clogged. The leak stopped after I cleaned them out. I assume the 4runner has the same system.

 

[infamousRNR]

About a month ago, I noticed some moisture on the interior driver side cargo area. The carpet was damp, and there were droplets of water running down the window. I removed the overhead trim where the leak seemed to be coming from, but have had a very hard time pinpointing the source. Here's a few pics I snapped:


This leak seems to run from the driver side rear cargo area up through approximately the passenger overhead handle. Any ideas where this could possibly be coming from?

My guess is from your roof rack rails... That run along the side of the vehicle.

Otherwise if it's generally located near that window, maybe it's a bad window seal..

I would start by removing the roof rack and siliconing in the holes that accommodate the screws to hold it down, then I would take apart that interior plastic and inspect the quarter panel window seal


Or as scramble has said, the sunroof drains commonly will get clogged

 

[Weagle2]

My vote is sunroof drain(s) clogged also. Do you park on an incline front up?

 

[Jumpkix]

I don't have a sunroof but on my 01 Accord my drain holes were clogged. The leak stopped after I cleaned them out. I assume the 4runner has the same system.

My guess is from your roof rack rails... That run along the side of the vehicle.

Otherwise if it's generally located near that window, maybe it's a bad window seal..

I would start by removing the roof rack and siliconing in the holes that accommodate the screws to hold it down, then I would take apart that interior plastic and inspect the quarter panel window seal


Or as scramble has said, the sunroof drains commonly will get clogged

My vote is sunroof drain(s) clogged also. Do you park on an incline front up?

I usually park on a relatively flat surface, but I'll definitely start with the sunroof drains and hope for the best. Although Interesting that the water leak would occur towards the back of the Runner if the drains are plugged?

 

[jeremyc74]

My guess is from your roof rack rails...

That was my first thought as well. I replaced the roof rack on mine about a year ago and I was surprised the old one wasn't leaking. The adhesive seals were in pretty bad shape.

If that's what it is, it should be a pretty easy fix. You just need a set of torx sockets. The screws seem to be coated to prevent corrosion, and came right out.

 

[Unner]

I vote roof rack rails as well. Pull them out with a torx bit, put some silicone on them and put it back in. Probably clear it right up.

 

[Jumpkix]

That was my first thought as well. I replaced the roof rack on mine about a year ago and I was surprised the old one wasn't leaking. The adhesive seals were in pretty bad shape.

If that's what it is, it should be a pretty easy fix. You just need a set of torx sockets. The screws seem to be coated to prevent corrosion, and came right out.

I vote roof rack rails as well. Pull them out with a torx bit, put some silicone on them and put it back in. Probably clear it right up.

Turns out I can't pass water through the rear sunroof drain hose on the driver side. It appears to leak out close to where the hose connects to the drain. Any way to clear it out without pulling off the headliner?

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Turns out I can't pass water through the rear sunroof drain hose on the driver side. It appears to leak out close to where the hose connects to the drain. Any way to clear it out without pulling off the headliner?

A light shot of compressed air would clear out the obstruction but it sounds like you said it's leaking out of the hose connection, right?

 

[Jumpkix]

A light shot of compressed air would clear out the obstruction but it sounds like you said it's leaking out of the hose connection, right?

Yea, it appears to be close to the connection, because the water ends up leaking above the door trim.

 

[ThorInc]

Could also be a disconnected drain hose, ask me how I know......:wink2:

 

[Jumpkix]

Is there an easy way to pull down part of the headliner on the driver side near the sunroof?

 

[fourfive]

My guess is from your roof rack rails... That run along the side of the vehicle.

I would start by removing the roof rack and siliconing in the holes that accommodate the screws to hold it down

I vote roof rack rails as well. Pull them out with a torx bit, put some silicone on them and put it back in. Probably clear it right up.

Anyone tried or any thoughts on using PTFE/plumbers tape on the roof rack screw threads to create a seal? Seems like the plumbers tape would allow for easier removal instead of silicone but not sure how effective it would be at creating a water tight seal...