Water in spare wheel well

[AccordCodger]

I searched for this problem here, and found some hints. But every one would probably have caused water to end up elswhere in the trunk too. In my case, it's just in the spare wheel well. Not gallons of it, just enough to cause rust. Suggestions?

[ice745]

:-\ It's possible that there is a hole or a crack in the wheel well that water splashed up is getting into... also the power antenna has a drain tube that is normally put through a grommet at the bottom of the trunk. The tube is normally run into the pocket on the right hand (passenger) side. Make sure the tube is in place if you do have a power antenna. (P.S. that is based on my '94 Camry, I don't know if its any different).

If you can't figure out where the water is coming from, and it becomes a problem, you can drill a hole in the bottom of the well (if there is no grommet that you can simply remove) to allow the water to flow out whenever it gets in there.

[AccordCodger]

No power antenna - in the rear window glass. I thought about drilling a drain hole, but I'm still hoping to fix the cause. Still, thx for your response, ice745.

[vicchang]

Originally Posted by AccordCodger

No power antenna - in the rear window glass. I thought about drilling a drain hole, but I'm still hoping to fix the cause. Still, thx for your response, ice745.

That's a good attitude -- fix the cause.

Normally if you look closely, you may see the trace of the water flowing. Then you can find where the water leaks in.

After drying the trunk, you can use a garden hose to spray water around the trunk and see where the water gets in. There are many possibilities. Good luck.

[AccordCodger]

Thanks for the encouragement. All I need is spare time during daylight!

[quincyguy]

Originally Posted by AccordCodger

I searched for this problem here, and found some hints. But every one would probably have caused water to end up elswhere in the trunk too. In my case, it's just in the spare wheel well. Not gallons of it, just enough to cause rust. Suggestions?

Spraying the car will work fine, even better if you climb in and have the car sprayed whilst you're in there.
I drilled a hole, and I suggest you buy a donut spare from a junkie.
My full-sized one got all rotten and rusted around the rim, nasty!!!

[BlueFusion6851]

I've actually heard of a LOT of other Camrys leaking... its usually the seals around the trunk getting bad. Or what is mentioned above.

[gator2764]

Originally Posted by AccordCodger

I searched for this problem here, and found some hints. But every one would probably have caused water to end up elswhere in the trunk too. In my case, it's just in the spare wheel well. Not gallons of it, just enough to cause rust. Suggestions?

Don't know if you have a sunroff or not but my 95 camry had water in the spare tire well. The water was crossing over from where the jack is stored after that was completely filled because of the drain tube from the sunroof was clogged.

[STANNJ]

Gator explained it well. If you have a sunroof, do check out the drain pipe. A lot of time, clogged pipes could cause things like that. I had the same problem and I had to take it to a shop to unclog the drain pipes. There are actually 4 drain pipes and most probably, the rear drain pipe/s are clogged. To look identify the source, I suggest you get a glass of water and pour it on your sunroof. If that doesn't flood your car, try look at other possibilities such as your trunk rubber seals that run along your trunk opening.
If by all means you cannot see anything wrong with the seals, another possibility is your spoiler. Some custom spoilers when installed can be installed badly. The holes where the bolts goes in to hold the poiler may have been a little rusty and water might very well go into the trunk through that hole. Personally I have not seen that happening. But that may be a possible place where water can go into your trunk.
I hope that helps.

[AccordCodger]

No sun roof. No spoiler. Trunk rubbers don't look deteriorated. Haven't figured out how to implement the suggestion of someone being inside while water is dumped on the trunk.

[ice745]

Another thing you can check is the seal around the rear window, but you'd probably notice water marks on the rear deck too, I'd think. Maybe the trunk isn't making good contact with the rubber seal for some reason. Other than that, I'm out of ideas.

[BlueFusion6851]

Originally Posted by AccordCodger

No sun roof. No spoiler. Trunk rubbers don't look deteriorated. Haven't figured out how to implement the suggestion of someone being inside while water is dumped on the trunk.

Fold your rear seat-backs down. Lay on your stomach and have your wheel-well/other Misc. areas open so you can see where the water is going.

Another thought... What if your trunk gaskets are not in contact with your cover? There may be a minute amount of water seeping through there.

[AccordCodger]

Lay on your stomach and have your wheel-well/other Misc. areas open so you can see where the water is going.

That's the part I'm not excited about. I'm no skinny guy, and no spring chicken either.

Also, the trunk carpet is attached at the part nearest the seat, so it's hard to roll it up out of the way when trying to see from that side.

I know what you're driving at BlueFusion6851, but it's the actual implementation that has me less than enthusiastic!

[BlueFusion6851]

Ah, I get what you're saying. Back to the drawing board.