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Preventing boot leaks - how is the tail light sealed?

landfall
landfall
in Ford Fiesta Club

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I know a lot of Focus and Fiesta owners which have all had a boot leak to some extent (including myself to a very small extent under the spare wheel) so I want to fix and mitigate leaks on my MK7 Fiesta. As I understand these are the common leak points and I will seal everything as best as I can (potentially not behind the bumper as it is a bit of a hassle but I will see later).

  • Welded seams cracked (near and under the roof trim)

  • Wiring grommet

  • All holes hidden under the tail light

  • Hinge bolt

  • Air vent seal under bumper

  • Holes near the air vent under bumper

I would like some clarification as I can't get my head around how water is supposed to flow near the tail lights.

Mine has a small gap between the body of the car and light housing. Is there supposed to be a gap?

gap.png

I am going to assume this is intentional because a gasket exists. However, my gasket is foam unlike some other Fiestas that appear to have a silicone gasket and I'm not confident this will keep water out. Won't it get soaked? I don't understand how this is a "gasket" and acts as a seal. Should I replace it with a silicone gasket?

gasket.png

tail light.png

  • Quote


    Looks like the " foam " is closed cell which prevents air and moisture so should make it waterproof if its tight enough.

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    • 2 weeks later...
    • Author

    Coincidentally since making this post, my leak has gotten significantly worse and collecting in the corner of the boot as it has been raining for the past few days while my car has been parked.

    I am fairly confident that the foam gasket behind the tail light cluster is failing. This is because it's not coming from the top as the headliner is dry and there was a trail of water drops directly below the cluster hole. The left cluster also has condensation but not the right.

    I have removed and reseated the cluster and made sure the bolt and two screws are tight however it is still leaking. What do you suggest to make the foam seal tighter?

    Also, can't all holes behind the cluster be taped off apart from the one with the connector? They don't seem necessary.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Some Fiestas don't even have the extra holes (which is why I'm thinking of taping mine off) and instead have the wiring coming out a grommet.

    picture.png

  • Quote

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