water under floor in outback

Red Beard · Post by **Red Beard** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:00 pm

Hi All

I recently discovered several litres of water pooled up in the spare wheel well of my '99 outback. The blue line represents the approximate water level (yes, thats alot of water!)

Is anyone aware of common water entry points in their subaru's? I'm yet to sit in the car while someone hoses down the outside, but thought having a few key places to look might be handy.

Currently, I suspect that the rear tail lights may have been off/replaced at some point, and wonder if the water channeled down beside the tailgate rubber is going behind the lights and into the car, as indicated with the yellow arrows.

If anyone could confirm this as the likely culprit, or give a few pointers for removing the lights (without breaking them) it would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

RB

BaronVonChickenPants · Post by **BaronVonChickenPants** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:21 pm

Yeah I have the same problem with mine, my brother is a mechanic with subaru and apparently it's a common problem with the Gen3 wagons, the tail light strip on the tail gate leaks.

My tailgate fills with water then dribbles in when I open the tailgate (not to mention all of who ever opened the tailgate) I've never had a pool of water in the wheel well, just a small puddle that dries on it's own in a day or so, but mine is 2 years newer so it's probably just a smaller leak.

You just need to get a paint and plastic friendly sealer, pull the taillight strip off clean up any old sealer and crud and seal it back up.

I was told to use something like a silicone that's used in fish tanks.

Jordan.

Red Beard · Post by **Red Beard** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:30 pm

Ah, good to hear I'm not the only one with this problem!

I know what you mean about the tail gate dripping water back into the car too - the reversing lights get water in them that runs out when you open the back.

Sounds like I have a job to do on my next spare weekend...

Cheers,

RB

Brumby Boy · Post by **Brumby Boy** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 2:22 pm

Next time i do one ill take a pic and show where we seal them

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:41 pm

wow.... my Gen2 Liberty doesn't seem to have that problem... hopefully.,.
Cheers
AP

00outback · Post by **00outback** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:54 pm

I don't have that problem with my Outback.

Red Beard · Post by **Red Beard** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:56 am

When I get some spare time I'll try taking the lights off and sealing them up. Thanks for the comments everyone!

If I find anything interesting I'll take some pics and post them up.

Cheers,

RB

layka · Post by **layka** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:44 am

I've not noticed it with my 99 Outback either. Although I will be extra vigilant now.

riksta · Post by **riksta** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:31 pm

I have the same leeking tail gate light on my 99 RX Lib, I have
had it out and had a look at the seal and it looked ok, but it still
leaks and get's dust in the reversing lights, looks like I will have to
do it again soon.
I have had as much water in the spare wheel well as you did, but that
was becouse the trip home from a BBQ my exey fell over and the water
from that ended up in there, but that was the only one time, mosty I just
get my head wet with drops of water from the tail gate when its raining.

Red Beard · Post by **Red Beard** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:52 pm

Sounds like others who have had leaking problems have all been from the tailgate - but is anyone aware of leaks from the taillights that aren't on the tailgate?

I've got time this weekend to pull all the rear lights off, clean them and (hopefully) seal them up.

I'll take a few snaps with the digi cam and post them here.

cheers

Lapsed · Post by **Lapsed** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 12:11 am

My sisters forester has a leaking right tail light. gave the car a wash and looked for the suds on the inside. plus the tail light it self has water in it

Hoekl · Post by **Hoekl** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:45 pm

Hey there. Did anyone end up fixing this prob? My dad has the same prob with his. Does anyone have any pics to show how and what they did? Ta.
Joel

Post by **Alex** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:00 pm

i actually had this problem with my liberty SEDAN.

Thats cos i ripped the two vents in the bumper out cos they where rattling with the subwoofer.

I'll get pics tonight, but i also heard it comes through the garnish on back in wagons.

alex