Nice New Water Feature!

[WarChild007]

I know this is a repeated discussion on the forum as Leons are well known for leaking but any advice would be useful!

I used my car last Thurs morning, then was going to use it again on Sunday only to discover the drivers foot well had about an inch of water in it. I did what I could to dry it out and as my drive is on a slope I parked it the other way round thinking that a drainage hole was blocked.

I have now looked at it again and done lots of searching on the net and forums, the pollen filter seems fine and dry, the cover is in place (as far as I can tell) I cant see as loose or missing grommets.

I poured water over the windscreen vents and drivers corner of the screen and water ran out from under the dash, dripping off the pedals and down the steering column (which is developing a rust problem). As the pollen filter is on the opposite side I don’t think it is this. I wonder if there are drainage holes in front of the drivers section which would lead to the drivers foot well? If so, where are they? My initial thought is that its the window seal but the car is a 51 plate and I've not read about this happening on other water leak probs?

Is it worth taking the window wipers off and removing the vented trim under the windscreen in order to clear out debris? Remove sections of the dashboard? reseal the windscreen (insurance wont cover it as its not chipped)?

This is made even more annoying because I spent xmas day fixing the rear screen wash joint...got that solved and now this!

Any hints or suggestions would be great.

Thanks

 

[mik]

Leak at drivers side isn't common (other than door-seal leak which isn't what you are describing).

I had this, and it was solved by sealing the windscreen. Had to take the car off the road for a few days to ensure it stayed dry whilst I did this though.

Unfortunately you can't get Comma "Seek&Seal" any more

 

[WarChild007]

Thats what I thought it was but non of the windscreen fitters cover accidental damage/breaking of the glass when they take it out. To reseal it would be £50 - £70 but if they break it it would be £260 - £300 and it wouldnt be covered on the insurance. So I've been looking at that as a last resort.

how did you go about re sealing the screen, did you remove the whole screen or just the trim the use a silicone sealant? Unfortunatly I cant put it in dry storage

I attempted to remove the window wipers last night, to take out the mesh gully at the bottom of the window and clear drainage holes, but gave up when my fingers went numb...they are on pretty tight? they do just pull off dont they (after removal of the nuts)?

Cheers!

 

[mik]

I used several applications of Seek&Seal (which you use without removing the screen), but (as stated) you can't get this stuff any more. Which is a shame as I've always found it works well.

Removing the wipers on a Leon is an utter b4stard - far more difficult than it has any right to be. They do just pull off, but not easily.

Best method is to
- undo nuts
- apply release oil
- flick wipers on, but switch off ignition when they reach full sweep position (so they are stopped high on the screen)
- Pull the arm up (off the screen)
- Rock it on the spline (rocking the tip towards one wing, then back to the other wing)

Given what you've said though..... I think it's a mighty shame about that nasty stone chip you got on the way home tonight.

Although you'll have to pay £50 excess for your insurance to fit a new screen, Autoglass (or whoever) will at least then be responsible for sealing it properly.

 

[sjtscott]

What would happen in the case that a large stone hit the windscreen by accident and caused it to break?
Surely this is then just a simple £50 excess on the insurance?

DISCLAIMER: Of course I am not suggesting in the slightest that you should break your windscreen deliberately in order to save money and defraud your insurance company.

 

[WarChild007]

Cheers for the info!

I think I'll try the wipers again just wanna make sure it isnt anything else.

See what you mean about the stone chip...I may book it in.

Cheers for your help! If you think of anything else then pls let me know!

 

[WarChild007]

What would happen in the case that a large stone hit the windscreen by accident and caused it to break?
Surely this is then just a simple £50 excess on the insurance?

DISCLAIMER: Of course I am not suggesting in the slightest that you should break your windscreen deliberately in order to save money and defraud your insurance company.

esp with all these gritter lorries going round this time of year...

Course not! although it would save a fair amount!

 

[WarChild007]

Where are the front drainage holes located? I assume they are under the plastic mesh below the window wipers? If so, do you have to remove this to get to them?
Just wondering if these would be blocked and lead to the water filling up more than it should?

Thanks once again!

 

[Ol' Timer]

On my Leon I had water running down the pedals. I took it to the dealer and they found that a seam on the bulkhead was not sealed properly. They resealed it and it was fine. Sorry I haven't got any more info about which seam it was.

 

[WarChild007]

On my Leon I had water running down the pedals. I took it to the dealer and they found that a seam on the bulkhead was not sealed properly. They resealed it and it was fine. Sorry I haven't got any more info about which seam it was.

Thanks, I'll put it on my list of things to check!

 

[mik]

Drainage holes are massive and very unlikely to block. One "cut" in each inner wing that drains into the wheel arch at each side.

Pour some water onto the screen base - it should absolutely p1sh out at the back of the front wheels.

 

[WarChild007]

Drainage holes are massive and very unlikely to block. One "cut" in each inner wing that drains into the wheel arch at each side.

Pour some water onto the screen base - it should absolutely p1sh out at the back of the front wheels.

OK cheers, will have a look when I get home...just incase!

Otherwise what would you think my best bet would be? have another stab at the window wipers or remove the bottom section of the dash?
I think I would rather squirt sealant all over the place than get the window replaced/resealed.

 

[mik]

Worth a try, but you will need the areas to be dry before applying any sealant I can think of (and to remain dry whilst it sets).

Once you've got the wipers off, the plastic guard comes off pretty easily. Just need to be cautious refitting - if you dont get the rubber "boot" in the correct place at the passenger side you'll have the other side wet too (very poor design IMHO).

 

[WarChild007]

Worth a try, but you will need the areas to be dry before applying any sealant I can think of (and to remain dry whilst it sets).

Once you've got the wipers off, the plastic guard comes off pretty easily. Just need to be cautious refitting - if you dont get the rubber "boot" in the correct place at the passenger side you'll have the other side wet too (very poor design IMHO).

lol...that would be typical!

Thanks for the heads up!!

 

[WarChild007]

I had another look at it last night and it does appear to be the windscreen seal. Other than getting the windscreen re sealed (which may cost me £280 if they break the screen) or following behind gritter lorries resulting in a stone chips would anyone see any problems arising from squirting silicone sealant under the screen where I think the leak is?

Thanks

 

[capperoalex]

You should just get a large stone or a hammer and "ensure" as light accident occurs. Then get the glass people in to fix it.
Alex.

 

[PlatinumR]

On my LCR which had a similar problem under the wiper panel on the drivers side is a box which some engine wiring goes through.
Similar position as the pollen filter on the other side. The seal on mine was leaking so it had to be resealed.
just have a look under the plastic where the bonnet release cable goes and you'll see what i mean i think it's held down with plastic nuts.
Have a quick look at the drainage hole by the wing while your there to check if its blocked causing water to build up.

 

[Neilr134]

On my Leon I had water running down the pedals. I took it to the dealer and they found that a seam on the bulkhead was not sealed properly. They resealed it and it was fine. Sorry I haven't got any more info about which seam it was.

had this on passenger side.

dealer removed bumper and wings and coated everything in black sealent.

it has been dry since.

this problem caused large volumes of running water to enter the footwell.

 

[WarChild007]

Cheers for the further suggestions. I attacked the screen with sealant over the weekend and it has reduced it significantly, although I do still appear to have a single drip which hits the clutch pedal.

It doesnt increase when I pour water on the screen, which makes me wonder if its something else. Will check the seal to the electrics box, I've checked the door and wing drainage holes and they all appear to be clear.

I've still not removed the wipers. If nothing is solved by Sat then I'll have another go at removing them and run sealant under the window.

thanks again!

 

[WarChild007]

Just an update as I've received some PM's regarding this.

It was the windscreen seal and a second application of sealant solved it!