Rear Pillar Leak Mystery
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Annapolis, MD
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
Rear Pillar Leak Mystery
Hey guys, my 1990 XJ 4-door has a good leak coming from the rear passenger side pillar. I have tried parking flat and at various angles. It is dry at the top of the pillar, so it must be entering in the middle somewhere. I have not removed the window gasket or liftgate weather stripping, but I'm under the impression that they attach to a lip and there are no holes or gaps from the factory - possibly a false assumption. I would also like to note that it is dry around the tail light on the inside.
Water streams as shown below. It was coming down the wiring and when I repositioned that, it still streamed down in this spot.
Below, I tried to get a picture of the inside of the pillar. I can't say if its the flash or light coming in from the top, but it certainly looks like light is coming in from somewhere which may suggest a hole.
The only other thing I have to note about this part of the vehicle is the previous owner replaced the passenger side cargo window shortly before I bought it, as it had been smashed in.
Does anyone have any ideas as to the source of the leak? Or has anyone replaced the cargo area window or liftgate seal and can confirm that there are no factory holes where it attaches? I looked up a few guides but couldn't get a good enough look at the area in question.
Thank you for your time and help.
Water streams as shown below. It was coming down the wiring and when I repositioned that, it still streamed down in this spot.
Below, I tried to get a picture of the inside of the pillar. I can't say if its the flash or light coming in from the top, but it certainly looks like light is coming in from somewhere which may suggest a hole.
The only other thing I have to note about this part of the vehicle is the previous owner replaced the passenger side cargo window shortly before I bought it, as it had been smashed in.
Does anyone have any ideas as to the source of the leak? Or has anyone replaced the cargo area window or liftgate seal and can confirm that there are no factory holes where it attaches? I looked up a few guides but couldn't get a good enough look at the area in question.
Thank you for your time and help.
#4
Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: washington
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: straight 6 4.0
I have the same exact problem. Ive been trying to fix it for over a year and have not been able to find exactly where its coming from. Would love new ideas on it.
#6
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 419
Likes: 12
From: Oregon (Wetside)
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0l
I had a leak that sounds similar. Roof rail at the very tail end was seperated just enough to let water in. The chrome piece had to be removed to see it completely. Once I had the chrome off and a hose on it, it poured in. I just siliconed the seam up there by rubbing it in the crack. Let it dry and put chrome rail cap back on.
#7
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Sweden
Year: 1989,90
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 Renix
A trick I use to find leakage is to use a spray can with soapy water and an air pressure nozzle.
One person outside of car spraying soapy water and one person inside with air nozzle, just work slowly and you will find where it leaks.
So far it have worked for me the last 45+ years when working om my cars.
One person outside of car spraying soapy water and one person inside with air nozzle, just work slowly and you will find where it leaks.
So far it have worked for me the last 45+ years when working om my cars.
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