Water ingress (part 2)
This isn’t a topic I would want to write a second part about. Fortunately, this time it isn’t back in the trunk. In fact, I checked the trunk a few times since I wrote the first part, and the water ingress there seems to be gone. No, this time it is inside the trunk lid.
I noticed some rust spots on the inside, by accident, back when I installed the dynamic tail lights. Given that I had to remove all the trim pieces, I decided that I could install some sound deadening material too (this definitely made the lid feel more solid). Over the time, I noticed that there were a few drops on the bottom side. It wasn’t raining a lot, so I figured to monitor it over time. So when it finally rained a lot, I checked the trunk lid again, and there were a few drops of water.
Since I also replaced the rear wiper seal last time, I first checked that. But it was completely dry, with no signs of water on the inside. I also checked the rubber grommet I replaced earlier, but that felt dry too. And since it is mounted sideways in closed position, I don’t think water will enter there so easily.
I googled for some help, an the two things I found were the tail lights and the drain tube for the logo. I checked the seals of the new dynamic tail lights, but they seemed fine and not mounted improperly. Also, I cannot think of a reason how water would enter via the tail lights, as they are mounted in an enclosed space where water runs off.
The drain tube also seemed fine, but given that I still had all the trim pieces
off, I decided to replace the drain tube as well. It only costed a few euros.
The new part I ordered had part number 510 827 861 and was transparant
instead of black. I had to cut the new tube to length, and it definitely was a
tigher fit: the old tube felt hard and worn-out. I also cleaned the tube
connector, as it was quite dirty.
I don’t think this will solve the problem, but at least one more thing I can rule out. I will monitor it over time, given that autumn is coming, with more and heavier rain. And maybe, I can get some help of a garden hose.