Leak around break light

[bigjimmy]

I have water getting into the Mini. It seems to be dripping down through the top break light fixture. It’s going along the top of the boot and dripping down onto the CD player (Christ knows why it couldn’t go the other way).

Anyone else had this? How did you fix it?

Thanks
Jimmy

[bigjimmy]

ooops BRAKE!!

[< FORZA WEST]

We see these quite alot,either the third brake light housing is split/cracked or it has distorted causing the seal to lift.

You either replace it including the seal.Easy to do unless you have the short roof spoiler in which case its difficult.Its held in by a couple of torx 20 screws hidden by black blanking covers.Once off you need to ensure the sealing surface on the tailgate is very clean,check for any tiny dents or scratches...basically we need to ensure the seal of the new light.(the seals are very thin so any fault on the gate will let water past...

Or if its just the seal you can replace that.Take light off,clean and replace seal.

If you find there are dents or scratches that may cause further water ingress then a thin line of butyl tape needs to be fitted.I use this because it seals well,durable and can be peeled off(its like blue tack).I never use sealer of any kind,it will seal yes but damage to the paint work is likely if that lamp ever needs to be removed.