Water leak on passenger side mainly from rear. Help!

[Mr Tibbs]

Hello guys.

I have a 2000 A4 TDI (no sunroof)

About a week ago i noticed that the whole of the passenger side was soaked in water to the point that it was getting really high in some areas.

It would appear to be mainly from the back seat, but its also wet in the from seat, just not as much.

It does not seem to be coming from a high point in the car as i cant see any signs of water running from the top down, and am really confused as to how its got there?


Please can someone give me a list of things to check, as well as the best way to totally clean the car out so water does not cause permanent damage when fixed.

Thanks for the help guys.

[hairyape1]

Hey, the most common place for water to get in is because of a blocked drain under the bonnet. Have a look under the bonnet around the battery tray and see if it is blocked by leaf debris etc. This can cause rain water to build up and leak through a rubber grommet in the firewall. However as you say, you think its coming from the rear more. There is a rubber grommet through the chassis at the rear of the car either side. These can be accessed by removing the side panels in the boot. Right at the bottom of the compartment you should see the grommet - Worth checking that these are secure.
I've also had problems with the rear doors leaking, the water trickles down the doors and collects in the rear footwell.

As for drying the car out, if you have a dehumidifier put it in the car for a few days and it will dry it out. Also try and always drive with the heaters on, blowing through the floor vents to aid evaporation. :)