Technical Blocked drain/rain gutter in tailgate?

[muppet42]

Hey everyone, wondering if any of you's have experienced this...

Last few weeks, I've noticed a sound of sloshing water when I raise the tailgate and after a heavy downpour, water poured out the gap between the light coloured trim around the window and the black/grey trim on the lower part of the tailgate.

I investigated it today but can't see any way to get at a possible blockage due to the way the metal frame's been pressed. I'm not sure if the water's getting in from below the glass perhaps on the outside, but as I said, I can't see where. Wondering if a seal's perhaps gone or similar.

It's gotten to the point where it's starting to rust a little around the keyhole and at the corners of the numberplate light unit. Wonder if the cheapest option would just be to buy a full replacement tailgate from eBay or something unless anyone knows a way I can sort it?

Really appreciate any pointers

 

[Clowny]

I might have the same issue but, I haven't started chasing this one down yet. I'm suspecting the trim around the external boot handle could be the culprit, assuming that fixes through the external boot skin.

 

[muppet42]

I might have the same issue but, I haven't started chasing this one down yet. I'm suspecting the trim around the external boot handle could be the culprit, assuming that fixes through the external boot skin.

I was thinking something similar though wasn't sure if it could even be a seal around the glass itself somewhere - was getting annoyed with those lovely clips modern car makers insist on using

Said trim was what I referred to as the "number plate light unit". It's held on by 4 bolts under the dark coloured, lower trim piece. It's a pita to remove as well as the 2 inner bolts are behind part of the inner metal skin so you get the tinniest amount of travel with a ring spanner and I don't have ratchet ring spanners :/

However, to eliminate that, I may well remove it and use some kind of seal anywhere logical to try and plug the possible leak

 

[jackson74]

Had the same problem with mine and found the water would only drain out with tailgate opened... when it would drip all over the rear speakers.

Decided the culprit was the tailgate keyhole so I had it fully removed and smoothed over.

 

[Clowny]

That's exactly what mine does, open the tailgate and the water pours out.

 

[muppet42]

Had the same problem with mine and found the water would only drain out with tailgate opened... when it would drip all over the rear speakers.

Decided the culprit was the tailgate keyhole so I had it fully removed and smoothed over.

I recently WD40'd this as it's something I never use - the flap to cover the whole won't close no matter what I do, but figured that was simply a dust/dirt cover rather than something to stop water getting in.

I have to say, that's one of the spots on the car there's a tiny amount of rust bubbling round. Most of the other patches it's due to lacquer peel, chips or something else though I think the galvanising on my car wasn't as effective as some.

Beyond smoothing the keyhole out, I wonder what I could actually do if that is the culprit