rain/water leak next to tailgate hinge rubber
 

This is a 83 300td - after a heavy downpour I noticed a lot of water in the rear area next to the tailgate. Using a faithful old bottle of water trick I can see water coming thru next to the hing where the rubber is damaged. Cause of damage is the clip holding the wires to the rear tailgate is touching & tearing the rubber. Any suggestions ... Can I simply cut out damaged rubber & replace with good section - Replacing whole rubber looks tough & no doubt expensive.


Steve

Seems to be major problem with wagons - leaky rubber that surrounds the tailgate - something they inherited from sedan trunk lids that always leak.

On 20 yr old car, I'd probably replace the entire weather stripping all the way around. You should also prowl around underneath and check for drains being clogged, little rubber nipple boots is what you look for. The water must be going somewhere and will otherwise rust out the car.