Leaky Outback tailgate

[hippo]

On my 99 OBW (Gen3), the lightbar across the tailgate takes on significant
amounts of water following heavyish showers or a carwash. The lower half
of the two lamp clusters fills with water and the overflow floods the
inside of the tailgate and the sparewheel well. This has been happening at
an increasing rate for about the last year. The two lights on the guards
are watertight. Can't find an entry point and can't separate the front and
back of the lightbar to invetigate further. Yes, I did take all the nuts
off! Any relevant ideas &/or suggestions appreciated. Cheers

 

[S]

Hi Hippo!

On my 99 OBW (Gen3), the lightbar across the tailgate takes on significant
amounts of water following heavyish showers or a carwash. The lower half
of the two lamp clusters fills with water and the overflow floods the
inside of the tailgate and the sparewheel well.

!?!!!

For that much water to enter what is normally a fairly dry hatch
cover, you must have a largish leak somewhere.
I'd start by pulling the inside plastic trim, and aiming a garden hose
at it to see if you can isolate a point of entry. (Have someone sit
inside and watch carefully.) Inspect the rubber seal, the boots where
the wiring and rear washer tubes come in, the gasket for the lock
assembly, etc.

Keep going 'til you find it; it's there somewhere.

BTW, the "light bar" is secured by 8-10 8mm nuts, including a couple
(whadda ya call 'em?) closed top nuts on the outer edges. If you can't
easily lift the assembly away from the hatch cover, you haven't found
all of the fasteners. I don't think you can disassemble it any further
than that.

If you would, please write back and let me know what you find;
inquiring minds and all . . .

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Jon Macey]

Hi Hippo!



!?!!!

For that much water to enter what is normally a fairly dry hatch
cover, you must have a largish leak somewhere.
I'd start by pulling the inside plastic trim, and aiming a garden hose
at it to see if you can isolate a point of entry. (Have someone sit
inside and watch carefully.) Inspect the rubber seal, the boots where
the wiring and rear washer tubes come in, the gasket for the lock
assembly, etc.

Keep going 'til you find it; it's there somewhere.

BTW, the "light bar" is secured by 8-10 8mm nuts, including a couple
(whadda ya call 'em?) closed top nuts on the outer edges. If you can't
easily lift the assembly away from the hatch cover, you haven't found
all of the fasteners. I don't think you can disassemble it any further
than that.

If you would, please write back and let me know what you find;
inquiring minds and all . . .

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

I have an '01 LL Bean Outback and the same thing happened to me.
I opened the tailgate door one day and a bunch of water came out of the
door landing on the rubber mat on the floor. In my "light bar" piece,
there are about 4 or 5 cracks in it, probably from someone hitting the
car just enough to crack that plastic without any other damage to the
door. I was trying to find out where I could get a replacement "light
bar" piece; local dealer wants $400 and change to replace, parts and
labor they say.
Any ideas where one can find these "light bar" pieces?

 

[S]

Hi Jon!

Any ideas where one can find these "light bar" pieces?

I'd try a salvage yard or perhaps even ebay. Pretty simple to replace;
you'll want an 8mm nut driver or deep socket to reach some of the
fasteners.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101