[Benzonline]

Well tonite it rained buckets and I found 2 puddles in the trunk! Not in the middle but on the left and right sides close to the cubby holes.

I sealed the window so far but i dont know what else to seal. Its coming from the metal part with the holes close to where the trunk lid and window meet.

I need help ASAP thanks.[xx(]

 

[MRTIKKET]

Common problem in 126's as they age. Remedies have been written up on numerous occasions. Pretty big job. Rear window needs to come out. New rubber window seals needed. Check the channel window sits in for rust. If rust is present, fix or problem will worsen. Correct rbbber seals are expensive. Make sure you disconnect rear window defrost while taking window out. Personaly, I'd take it to an MB mechanic who has done it before.

 

[AxelWulff]

Benzonline,

I just had that done.

My mechanic and I first looked for all other possible sources for the leak (trunk seal, trunk lid fit, etc.) before we decided the problem was the rear window frame.

The glass guy warned me that the rear window is $926 for the part, $180 for a new rubber seal and about the same for the installation.[xx(]

Fortunately, my rear window is in good condition (no delamination issues) and they were able to remove it without breaking it.

As we expected, the problem was rust in the lower part of the window frame. Standing water underneath the rubber seal had eventually rusted holes in the lower frame area leading water into the trunk.

I had to send the car to a body shop to have the lower frame removed and replaced with a new piece. I got some pretty wild estimates for that job, up to $4,500, but I got it done for $1,100.

My glass guy put the window back in and the total repair was about $1,400.[xx(]

Be very careful with the rear window, if that goes you have to add another $1,000 to the total cost.

Good luck.

 

[Benzonline]

[:0][:0][:0]

Yes the metal frame is rusting as there are flakes or rust coming down from time to time.

This is a really exspensive repair! I have to talk to my mechanic....my rear glass is still good though.

 

[Timmy Turbo]

OH SHit, my 83 300SD has the same problem, the circle cut-outs between the rear speakers has water there and some rust is showing, looks like some rust repair and a new rubber seal for the window for me......[8]

 

[Benzonline]

I dont know if its worth spending the money or just sell. This is a bit too much now.

 

[H-TownBenzoboy]

Maybe it's time for new tail light gaskets, it worked for our W126.
-Joe

 

[rico_vancouver]

It seems you have a bigger problem than this, but mine was leaking at the rubber gasket around the boot. The car came from Japan, and they have really hot, dry weather - some rubber things got pretty dried up. Rather than get a new seal, I cheaped out and bought some automotive "Goop" and ran a bead around the edge where the seal meets the metal. It worked great - we get a lot of rain here, so I'm pretty sure that it was the problem. Good luck with the rear window.

 

[Benzonline]

I was thinking of doing some "goop" repair job. Im sure its not the tail lights because where the water is coming from is to the rear of the trunk not near the front by the tailights.

 

[rico_vancouver]

Your symptoms were exactly like mine... water on both sides, kinda midway between front and back of the trunk. I estimated that the water was pooling at both corners of the trunk area, then dripping straight down. I ran the bead from corner to corner, with about 6 inches or so past the corner. No problems anymore. I cleaned the "gutter" thoroughly then wiped it down with rubbing alcohol. After that dried, I simply ran the goop along the channel. I didn't use my finger to force it into the cracks; the viscosity of the goop takes care of a good seal. Good luck.

 

[Benzonline]

Rico you're making me feel better![]

What is the name of this goop I can buy and where? Canadian Tire?

 

[rico_vancouver]

I bought mine at Canadian Tire... makes a good contact cement as well. Comes in different colours - black of course.

 

[Benzonline]

thx Rico. Im just confused where exactly to put the goop? I need something very specific.

 

[Big D]

Can't you also use just regular outdoor silicone?

 

[rico_vancouver]

Marko,

Here you go. 1st pic shows where you run a bead of goop from one side of the trunk ridge to the other.

This view shows how the goop goes along the width of the trunk opening.

And this pic shows how if you "drop" the bead of goop on the "shoulder" of the metal ridge, the viscosity of the goop will carry it down and over the lip of the trunk's seal.

I suppose you could use regular outdoor sealant, but I find that goop's viscosity is perfect for this.

Good luck.

 

[Benzonline]

Thanks alot Rico! Upon furthur inspection yesterday I found rust spots along that edge which I fixed and was just above where you put the goop against the window. It was a big job and not very professional but im not spending a grand to repair it properly....as long as the water doesnt get in anymore I dont care.[]