Damp boot, Ford focus 2006 Saloon

The_B_Man

Hi,
Water is getting into my boot.
I took up the lining and used a hose and found out where its coming in.

There's a small gap underneath the rear lights and the water is getting in there and coming out a vent on the inside. This is on both sides.

I've attached pictures of the areas I'm talking about.

Has anyone got any experience in fixing this? I assume there's some seal that's hardened recently and that's why it's started leaking now.

The vent doesn't want to come off through the inside so might have to be replaced from the outside, meaning the rear bonnet will need to come off. Is this a DIY job or will a Ford garage have to fix it?

Thanks.

wiz569

You could just seal the gap with clear silicon on the outside,or maybe try fix the slipped bumper,

It really just depends on how much it bothers you and how much you are willing to spend.

keepalive213

I think car is too old and labour too expensive to be thinking of a Ford garage.
Tube of clear "tec 7" or all weather silicone sealant and put a bead around the light, that's what I'd do.

darragh o meara

Have seen this in my brothers car, he just sealed it up with sealant and put a dehumidifier in the boot for a few hours to dry it up. If I remember right it’s the seal around the light cluster itself that leaks and you will need to remove the cluster to put the sealant on properly. If it’s coming in the vents then a shot there will sort that also.

The_B_Man

Do you think the bumper slipped? Looks fine to me, as it lines up with the other panels. I think its just a design flaw that only shows itself once the rubber seal (whichever one it is) dries up.

I could probably stick a layer of clear sealant but I might have to do it up passed the light, as that same gap continues up to the wheel (albeit not as much a gap) as its where the bumper meets the rear panel.

I'll have to do something anyway coz the boot is unusable. I left a buggy in there and it grew a load of mould. The whole handle was fluffy with the mould!! There's still mould on the carpet as well, which I'll have to take care of. Anything I leave in there will be ruined.

wiz569

The_B_Man wrote: »

Do you think the bumper slipped? Looks fine to me, as it lines up with the other panels. I think its just a design flaw that only shows itself once the rubber seal (whichever one it is) dries up.

Tbh it looks like the rubber seal has disappeared completely as its a good few mm of a gap,just use silicon,its easy enough to do

Isambard

People on the classic scene have often told me that silicon sealer will promote rust. No idea if it's true.

wiz569

Isambard wrote: »

People on the classic scene have often told me that silicon sealer will promote rust. No idea if it's true.

It can do as it releases acetic acid as it drys but you can get non acidic silicone.

ORVEE

I wouldn't bother putting sealant around the lamp. Remove the lamp completely and you'll see where the back of the lamp is sitting up against the panel of the car. The seal maybe just after coming out of position. If not, then use the sealant around the cluster.