How Do I Solve This ? HELP PLEASE !

[The Badger]

Ok so I have had a boot leak not too terrible but very annoying and today whilst basking in the sunshine did some work on trying to solve the problem !
BINGO I found the leak straight away only problem is I have no idea how to solve it ? the leak is coming from behind a relay where a bracket is welded (I think its welded) to the car body !
Here are some pictures any help would be greatly appreciated - those of you who know me already now to pull the carpet up and identify the problem is a life changing experience as I am not handy AT ALL !! please help and go easy with me -

The pictures show where the water is getting in (its the passenger side just below the rear light cluster) here is a shot of the area with the relay in place !



This picture with the relay removed shows where the water is entering... its around the point where the bracket meets the body

 

[MrPT]

Good job on finding it. That "relay" is the antenna amp, BTW.

I guess a bodge job would be to use some sealant, but since there is a crack in the metal I'd say take to your trusted Indie and ask them just to check what could have caused the split. The mounting post might have been knocked when you put something in the boot, but if there has been an external impact of some kind then it's probably best you get it checked for other damage.

 

[The Badger]

Good job on finding it. That "relay" is the antenna amp, BTW.

I guess a bodge job would be to use some sealant, but since there is a crack in the metal I'd say take to your trusted Indie and ask them just to check what could have caused the split. The mounting post might have been knocked when you put something in the boot, but if there has been an external impact of some kind then it's probably best you get it checked for other damage.

Thanks Mr PT the car was only in for its MOT on Monday Last week and as such and because of my massive OCD I got the guys to go through everything on the car and it all came back clear ! I am just wondering if when I stupidly backed into the garage door a few week's ago and broke the centre brake light if I damaged this at the same time ! -

Shite ! is there a way of fixing this myself ? will sealant solve the problem ? the bill last week was £700 I realy cant afford any more garage work for a while ?

 

[pvr]

You will stop the water from entering at that point with sealant, but I would like to know where the water is coming from in the first place.

If you stop it from there, it will most likely find another point to enter unless there is a clear exit somewhere.

 

[MrPT]

Is there a garage who you are on good terms with who might be able to take a look at no cost? You could seal (epoxy, silicone sealant etc) it but you really need to know what is on the other side of it first. Firstly to check for other damage, but also because the last thing you want is a cavity filling up with water due to another leak higher up. [EDIT - pvr beat me to it!]

Can you take a wider angle picture showing where this is relative to the other parts of the boot/bumper? Other people might know off hand, if you don't mind waiting for further replies

 

[The Badger]

Ok when I Pour water down the boot gutter on top of the wing the water runs freely through onto the floor and then a little droplet appears at this point !
the majority of the water runs free ! its a tiny amount that's getting in !

Remember I am not a mechanic but the bumper I think is bolted below this ?

I will try the sealant route and see what happens ? the rest of the boot is bone dry and on looking closely there are no other cracks or folds or dents etc ? all looks fine ?

 

[srhutch]

The bumper is held on in only two places directly to the body. This is on both side at the bottom of the wing.

You can see the clips on my picture

 

[The Badger]

Thanks srhutch - I cannot understand how this part has got damaged then ? it is around the area marked which is well protected by the bumper ??

 

[srhutch]

My only though would be if you manage to bend the end of the bumper bar. Removing the bumper cover is going to be your best bet. Three rivets in each arch as you can see, pull the middle part out and then the come out easy. 5-6 screws along the bottom of the bumper on the rear and then just unclip from the top side and pull towards the rear.