MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: winrya on February 10, 2013, 04:09:40 pm

Title: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: winrya on February 10, 2013, 04:09:40 pm
Hi Guys,

Getting sick of this now.  I replaced the outer drivers side rear cluster around 12 months ago because it suddenly started filling with water.  I tried a couple of times to dry it out and try again but after the inside became stained I purchased another light.

Within a few weeks it had filled with water again.  I concluded maybe it wasn't secured tight enough and dried it out and tried again.  I've done this a few times now and today I can see I have a cluster a quarter full of rain water again. 

I can believe the original seal failed but I'm struggling to believe this cluster is failing due to me purchasing a faulty light?  Is that possible or is there something I'm missing.

I'd really appreciate any tips as I don't want to purchase another cluster and be in the same position again.

Cheers,

Ryan
Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: apples12 on February 10, 2013, 05:21:20 pm
are you 1000000000000000000000000% sure the bulb panel on the rear is clipped in and sealed properly?...
Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: winrya on February 10, 2013, 05:31:39 pm
are you 1000000000000000000000000% sure the bulb panel on the rear is clipped in and sealed properly?...

Yep, 100% when its put on the car.  When i remove it its always still all clipped together properly too but it always seems there is water around the lower edge of it?
Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: zooms3 on February 10, 2013, 05:34:26 pm
Only one thing for it.......Silcone sealant...  :happy2:
Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: winrya on February 10, 2013, 05:56:18 pm
Only one thing for it.......Silcone sealant...  :happy2:

What, a bead all the way round the indented section that it sits in?

If a bulb goes will it come apart okay?

Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: zooms3 on February 10, 2013, 06:15:15 pm
Oh thought you mean it was leaking from elsewhere on the cluster.

hmmm, wouldnt advise a bead there then.



Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: winrya on February 10, 2013, 06:21:59 pm
Oh thought you mean it was leaking from elsewhere on the cluster.

hmmm, wouldnt advise a bead there then.





I'm starting to think other than replacing the light again, maybe a line of sealent might be the only choice.  I've googled it and butyl sealant is often used for these type of issues  :confused:
Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: zooms3 on February 10, 2013, 06:29:27 pm
If any sealant is used it needs to be allowed to dry first, but still remain very "squidgy" (<---very technical term) so it forms a nice seal when you push it back together after changing a bulb for example.

Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: zooms3 on February 10, 2013, 06:36:15 pm
just googled that stuff myself, and yes i think that would be ideal, its the sorta stuff that you stick on the inner bits of the door cards etc.

Like it, worth a pop i think.
Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: SRC on February 11, 2013, 05:04:23 pm
Seem to remember advice (here or another forum - not sure) that it doesn't hurt to drill a small drain hole in the bottom of the unit, nearest the body where it won't show.  If you can't stop the water getting in, at least it'll come out again!
Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: brough74 on February 11, 2013, 07:52:30 pm
I had this trouble on a rear light, i tried silicone sealent which did not work.

Ive now fitted a new light unit and drill a hole in the bottom just in case.

I was like you the bulb holder was tight and they were securly fastned, but somehow water got in, sorry i cant suggest anything. I use normal silicone which was a pain to get off when i put a new cluster in.
Title: Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
Post by: winrya on February 11, 2013, 10:07:39 pm
Well I've removed it this evening and drilled a hole to drain the water and dried it out with a hair dryer.

I've applied a sealant along the ridge where the bulb holder clips into the cluster. If it leaks now it must be faulty and will waste another £60 on a third unit. Fingers crossed, I'm almost scared to look at the cluster through fear of seeing water.