VT Knight

Hey guys, my 1990 XJ 4-door has a good leak coming from the rear passenger side pillar. I have tried parking flat and at various angles. It is dry at the top of the pillar, so it must be entering in the middle somewhere. I have not removed the window gasket or liftgate weather stripping, but I'm under the impression that they attach to a lip and there are no holes or gaps from the factory - possibly a false assumption. I would also like to note that it is dry around the tail light on the inside.



Water streams as shown below. It was coming down the wiring and when I repositioned that, it still streamed down in this spot.



Below, I tried to get a picture of the inside of the pillar. I can't say if its the flash or light coming in from the top, but it certainly looks like light is coming in from somewhere which may suggest a hole.



The only other thing I have to note about this part of the vehicle is the previous owner replaced the passenger side cargo window shortly before I bought it, as it had been smashed in.

Does anyone have any ideas as to the source of the leak? Or has anyone replaced the cargo area window or liftgate seal and can confirm that there are no factory holes where it attaches? I looked up a few guides but couldn't get a good enough look at the area in question.

Thank you for your time and help.

PocketsEmpty

Time to get out the hose! Spray in areas you think it could be coming from. Is it possible that it could be sourced from the tail light somehow?

VT Knight

Yep, I was using the hose. As far as I can tell, it is coming from the pillar.

It is dry all around the taillight on the inside.

jeepster90xj

I have the same exact problem. Ive been trying to fix it for over a year and have not been able to find exactly where its coming from. Would love new ideas on it.

Popsmoke0311

I have the same leak problem with my 92 Cherokee. Has anyone unlocked the secret yet????

Oswalla

I had a leak that sounds similar. Roof rail at the very tail end was seperated just enough to let water in. The chrome piece had to be removed to see it completely. Once I had the chrome off and a hose on it, it poured in. I just siliconed the seam up there by rubbing it in the crack. Let it dry and put chrome rail cap back on.

Cherokee89

A trick I use to find leakage is to use a spray can with soapy water and an air pressure nozzle.
One person outside of car spraying soapy water and one person inside with air nozzle, just work slowly and you will find where it leaks.
So far it have worked for me the last 45+ years when working om my cars.