Toyota Avensis - Leak in Spare Wheel Bay

dorks

I have quite a large amount of water gathering in the spare wheel "bay" in my 02 plate Toyota Avensis hatchback.

Rather than panic and get some expensive mechanic to seek out the source of the leak (and it isn't obvious - everywhere around it is dry), is there any sensible reason why I cannot drill a very small hole and allow the water to pour out on to the road?

There is even a rubber grommet in place in the bay, which I may just take out, but it makes me think Toyota have put it in place for a reason, so should I be taking it out?!?!

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Do not drill a hole. Instead find out how the water is getting in, I don't know the car but would imagine its a faulty door/hatch seal.

LandyAndy

dorks wrote: »

I have quite a large amount of water gathering in the spare wheel "bay" in my 02 plate Toyota Avensis hatchback.

Rather than panic and get some expensive mechanic to seek out the source of the leak (and it isn't obvious - everywhere around it is dry), is there any sensible reason why I cannot drill a very small hole and allow the water to pour out on to the road?

There is even a rubber grommet in place in the bay, which I may just take out, but it makes me think Toyota have put it in place for a reason, so should I be taking it out?!?!

:rotfl: :rotfl: This was the factory sanctioned 'cure' for water leaks into the footwell of 1970's Ferrari's.

Drilling the hole won't do any harm and will stop the build up of water but you really should try and find the source of the leak.;)

The grommet probably covers a hole that is required to allow access during the initial vehicle assembly.

vaio

dorks wrote: »

I have quite a large amount of water gathering in the spare wheel "bay" in my 02 plate Toyota Avensis hatchback.

Rather than panic and get some expensive mechanic to seek out the source of the leak (and it isn't obvious - everywhere around it is dry), is there any sensible reason why I cannot drill a very small hole and allow the water to pour out on to the road?

There is even a rubber grommet in place in the bay, which I may just take out, but it makes me think Toyota have put it in place for a reason, so should I be taking it out?!?!

As someone else said door/hatch seals are suspect, also check the rear light clusters as the “black goop” (technical term) used to seal them can sometimes let water in.

As a temporary measure I’d be inclined to pop the grommet out until you fix it/sell it rather than drilling a new hole which will obviously rust as fast as it can.

kitchpoo

Has this got a sunroof. Usually from a sunroof there is a drip inside which leads off on 2 or 1 pipe down the C pillar (rear of the car) and out near the rear of the wheel arch, these plastic pipes have been known to come undone - dont know on Toyotas, but it has happened on many cars

anewman

I would try removing parcel shelves, folding/removing rear seats. Pour buckets of water over the tailgate at the back and get in through the rear passenger door and feel around for leaks.

One thing that may help is to gently clean the seal with a lightly damp cloth. Allow to dry, then apply silicone oil to the seal. This helped significantly reduce water ingress into my boot and stop water coming through the sunroof.

When I first got my car the spare wheel well was like a swimming pool I just used a towel to soak it up.

mr_claypole

I had the sames problem on a '99 Avensis.

I found a tine hole in the boot seal (I had to look very carefully to find it, it was within the 'folds' of the seal). The hole was very 'neat', it almost looked as if it was meant to be there. After sealing the hole (I used some rubbery tape), the problem was solved.
BTW, the rubber bung comes out really easily, so is a good way of draining the water.

Good luck!

TC

jeannieblue

I think you will find it is coming in thru one of the rear light clusters - its a common fault.