Leak in rear foot well? any ideas
Discussion
Just had exactly the same thing today with my 2002 530d. Quite a bit of water in the rear footwell behind drivers seat. Inspected door seals and everything looks fine.
I've noticed recently after rain if I open the offside rear door water 'gushes' out from apparently the underside of the door, as if it's been collecting inside the door. Is this likely to have anything to do with and in any case where's it coming from?
I've noticed recently after rain if I open the offside rear door water 'gushes' out from apparently the underside of the door, as if it's been collecting inside the door. Is this likely to have anything to do with and in any case where's it coming from?
Almost certainly the door membrane behind the card. It's a heavy plastic sheet that acts as a "shower curtain" and is sandwiched between the the door card and the inner metal skin of the door. The adhesive breaks down over time and allows water to seep through. You may also have a blocked drain in the bottom of the door which is allowing water to build up putting more pressure on the membrane. The drain can be cleared with a stiff bit of wire but it clogs repeatedly you may need to remove the door card to extract the debris.
You can usually take the rear door cards off without much trouble if there are no rear side airbags and you can usually see where the membrane has lifted at the bottom of the door and allowed water through. You may be able to reseal it.
You can usually take the rear door cards off without much trouble if there are no rear side airbags and you can usually see where the membrane has lifted at the bottom of the door and allowed water through. You may be able to reseal it.
phelix said:
Almost certainly the door membrane behind the card. It's a heavy plastic sheet that acts as a "shower curtain" and is sandwiched between the the door card and the inner metal skin of the door. The adhesive breaks down over time and allows water to seep through. You may also have a blocked drain in the bottom of the door which is allowing water to build up putting more pressure on the membrane. The drain can be cleared with a stiff bit of wire but it clogs repeatedly you may need to remove the door card to extract the debris.
You can usually take the rear door cards off without much trouble if there are no rear side airbags and you can usually see where the membrane has lifted at the bottom of the door and allowed water through. You may be able to reseal it.
As he said ive seen this many times You can usually take the rear door cards off without much trouble if there are no rear side airbags and you can usually see where the membrane has lifted at the bottom of the door and allowed water through. You may be able to reseal it.
Thanks for the replies.
Checked seals and door membrane..all in tact and look new.
Taken the matts out and noticed the two holes in the floor, which I assume are for the orginal matts, full to the brim with water. I press on them and water is pouring up. Amazed as to how much water is there so sponged up as much as I can and left it.
Before I think of removing the carpets..any other suggestions?
Thanks
Checked seals and door membrane..all in tact and look new.
Taken the matts out and noticed the two holes in the floor, which I assume are for the orginal matts, full to the brim with water. I press on them and water is pouring up. Amazed as to how much water is there so sponged up as much as I can and left it.
Before I think of removing the carpets..any other suggestions?
Thanks
eddharris said:
Before I think of removing the carpets..any other suggestions?
Personally, I would de-trim and lift up carpet, at least for drying. As for other suggestions, check the door-shut seal...Also, the small fixed window in the door is directly glazed, ie, bonded to the door frame. If the door has been renewed, the glass would have been removed and refitted from the old...
Or if you have a sunroof, check the drainage pipes are clear...
I've lots of leaks over the years.
They can be difficult to find.
Blocked sunroof drain tubes are the common and easy explanation.
Especially on a relatively new car.
And especially if its a sudden rather than gradual start of leaking.
Has the car been in an accident?
If the repair is not 100%, there may be panel joints that are not fully sealed - it only takes a tiny hole.
Otherwise I would have a close look at the rear window.
good luck, Nick
They can be difficult to find.
Blocked sunroof drain tubes are the common and easy explanation.
Especially on a relatively new car.
And especially if its a sudden rather than gradual start of leaking.
Has the car been in an accident?
If the repair is not 100%, there may be panel joints that are not fully sealed - it only takes a tiny hole.
Otherwise I would have a close look at the rear window.
good luck, Nick
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