Expert: Roger J.M. Warrington - 11/30/2005

Question
Hello Roger,
Very neat that you volunteer as an expert.  My question about my 1999 Chevy Malibu.  The spare tire  area fills with around 1 to 2 inches of water after heavy rains.  I tried to "mimick" this by pouring water around the trunk seal, but no water ran into the spare tire well.  Well another heavy rain meant another inch of water after I did my test.  Any idea where this water may be coming in at?  
Thank You
Patrick

Answer
Hi Patrick;
          Water , not good, first I would look to see if there are any rubber plugs under the tire if so remove one or if two/ do so this way the water will drain out and it will not rust out on you as fast, than you must have a leak in the rubber that is on the trunk it is a strip that should run all around the top of the trunk , look to see if there is a rip or tear in it /  if so repair it with some silicone, just give it a good look over it has to be comming in from there some place , or is there a crack in the rear window as it could be running in from that also. you can repair it with the same thing.I would remove the tire and dry the area off real good than paint it if needed or clean it good as it will rot out fast when wet.You can also reseal the rear window if you think it could be that. OK
Roger