Hi,

I'm a Ford Focus Estate Mk2 2009 owner currently grappling with the all-too-common boot leak issue. I've done some research and am planning to tackle the problem by sealing a few key areas prone to leaks:

• Air vents behind the rear bumper
• Roof gutter welds
• Boot hinges
• Rear lights 

My main concern is choosing the right sealant. I'm heard that silicone sealants might damage the car paint (not sure if this is true or not) and if so, would something like polyurethane be a safer alternative?. However, I'm also looking for something not too rigid for the rear lights since I obviously want to be able to replace the light bulbs if necessary.

Can anyone recommend a sealant that's effective yet gentle on the paint, and flexible enough for maintenance needs? Any personal experiences or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Best Regards,

Marcus

Clear silicone is fine

Tiger seal is good. I used it on fiesta boot leak. It can be painted over.

I’ve sealed the hinge pockets and a sneaky leak path inside the boot with clear silicone - instant gasket sealant actually. Worked fine

18 hours ago, Zen23 said:

Tiger seal is good. I used it on fiesta boot leak. It can be painted over.

Is it difficult to remove, I assume? That would probably be fine for the areas I don't plan to access anytime soon, i.e., the rear lights. Do you know how it compares to something like Sikaflex?

13 hours ago, troy45 said:

I’ve sealed the hinge pockets and a sneaky leak path inside the boot with clear silicone - instant gasket sealant actually. Worked fine

Interesting - what brand did you use and how long ago was it applied?

22 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

Clear silicone is fine

All right, assuming it doesn't contain acetum, right?

About 2 years ago. Tigerseal when it dryes is harden then silicone and it sticks much better, obviously to clean metal. I think it's designed for sealing joints in the cars. 

4 hours ago, koffertfisk said:

Interesting - what brand did you use and how long ago was it applied?

It’ll have probably been the Granville Instant Gasket or similar from Halfords. 
 

Good few years back that it was applied, no signs of it deteriorating as leaks haven’t come back and can see the seal around the hinge pockets every time I open the boot.

Didn’t do the neatest of jobs which bugs me but it’d be a pain to remove it and seal up again as it’s well and truly stuck in place!

2 hours ago, Zen23 said:

About 2 years ago. Tigerseal when it dryes is harden then silicone and it sticks much better, obviously to clean metal. I think it's designed for sealing joints in the cars. 

Also useful for applying/fixing body kits, sills, rear spoilers and the like...