Leaky Boot Again - Xantia Estate!!!

320i coupe · Post by **320i coupe** » 09 Mar 2006, 16:54

Hi all,

Just a quick query, I have a ’97 SX TD Estate which has had a problem with a leaky boot.

After reading the advice of your members, I discovered the membrane behind the boot lid indeed was coming away, and have now sealed this membrane, and have also dried out the boot carpet, which was soaked through!

I have noticed now that when the weather is wet, the boot lid trim no longer gets wet as it used to, and no water ingress seems to come from here, but I’ve noticed that the insulation under the carpet is gradually getting damper (although no where near as bad as before!).

The car is completely dry from front & back carpets & foot wells, so its not going from heater matrix / windscreen etc…

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where else water could get in that I’m not checking??

Thanks

Steve

ACTIVE8 · Post by **ACTIVE8** » 09 Mar 2006, 17:06

Check the rear tailgate to bodyshell seal, ensure that the tailgate is shutting properly, and in correct alignment to the bodyshell, also check the rear wiper spindle.

If you get someone to spray the car with a hose, to carry out a water leak test, while you are in the boot of the car then it might help you diagnose the source of the leak.

320i coupe · Post by **320i coupe** » 10 Mar 2006, 12:12

Thanks for the reply!

I have looked at the alighment of the boot, and all seems well, the rubber seal appears to be where it should, and doesnt have any fischers or tears...

How can the wiper spindle let in water, and where from???

Thansk again!

Steve

ACTIVE8 · Post by **ACTIVE8** » 10 Mar 2006, 13:36

In general where a wiper spindle enters any vehicle it has the potential to leak. I have had to renew the seal where the spindle passes through the panel when replacing spindles on other makes of vehicle.

It normally comes as part of the repair kit.

This picture below shows the rubber seal on a different car.

320i coupe · Post by **320i coupe** » 10 Mar 2006, 14:57

Again, thanks for that!

I will check it this weekend & post back the results!

Thanks

Steve

Sturdybloke · Post by **Sturdybloke** » 10 Mar 2006, 18:05

Try rubbing some chalk along the entire length of the boot seal then when you run water from a hose on it if it is leaking through the seal then it will show up as the chalk will have been removed from that area. Works well in theory........but its worth a try.

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 11 Mar 2006, 09:25

ACTIVE8 wrote:In general where a wiper spindle enters any vehicle it has the potential to leak. I have had to renew the seal where the spindle passes through the panel when replacing spindles on other makes of vehicle.

Any water coming through the spindle on a Xantia should be caught by the membrane.

My bet is the membrane still has a leak, probably around the lock area, which passes water directly under the carpet.

Mine never had wet carpets, the water always ran straight under the mat and into the rear footwells.

np · Post by np » 12 Mar 2006, 00:00

I agree with Homer.After doing this job a few times on mine,i finally stoped the leak on the 3rd try.Its bugger to get the membrain sealed around the lock area,so double check the membrain.

pikecrazy · Post by **pikecrazy** » 12 Mar 2006, 11:31

np wrote:I agree with Homer.After doing this job a few times on mine,i finally stoped the leak on the 3rd try.Its bugger to get the membrain sealed around the lock area,so double check the membrain.

I should really check mine as water is getting to the rear footwells now

np · Post by np » 12 Mar 2006, 16:45

Check out this topic http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... aking+boot
Have a look at the way i sealed mine up.Thats the best way i`ve found.Still with no leaks.

320i coupe · Post by **320i coupe** » 16 Mar 2006, 12:42

Thanks for info, i will give it a go!

But one other thing, is there a repair kit for the washer beneath the rear wiper, or does anyone know where i can buy a replacement washer for this???

Thanks

Steve

reblack68 · Post by **reblack68** » 16 Mar 2006, 19:09

I have a tailgate related question...

Does the estate have a plastic tailgate like the hatch? I have a towbar-mounted bike carrier and I don't want to end up with both cars in the family being unable to use it.

pikecrazy · Post by **pikecrazy** » 16 Mar 2006, 20:38

reblack68 wrote:I have a tailgate related question...

Does the estate have a plastic tailgate like the hatch?

Yes

reblack68 · Post by **reblack68** » 17 Mar 2006, 17:42

Thanks, I thought it would be. It'll be a 406 for me then

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 17 Mar 2006, 18:49

I'm not going to go outside in the damned cold again, but I'm tempted to have a prod about look see on my estate! I'm sure it IS actually metal rather than the naff plastic on the hatch. When did you last see the paint and laquer peeling off an estate tailgate...?

Go on, prove me wrong, I don't care!

Andrew

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Leaky Boot Again - Xantia Estate!!!

Leaky Boot Again - Xantia Estate!!!

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