Common to the 1st generation neons, and 2nd generation neons as well, the rear taillight gaskets seem to wear in their welcome far to fast. Causing the portion of the gasket that meets the outer wall of the opening to the trunk to give way for water. I've had a water leak for quite some time, into the right taillight (through the Mopar 3Ds, same gasket as stock). AND through the furthest hole back in the wing.

I was just wondering if anyone else had this problem. I've heard alot of complaints as far as water leaking into the cabin, most specifically on the passenger side floor, but never anything into the trunk. I found this out the hard way, when all of my textbooks, and refinishing manuals were soaked beyond recognition after a rainstorm, and when I opened my trunk to get my ice scraper the other day, and found little dagger-like icicles and a huge chunk of ice in my trunk.

*shrugs* As usual, its probably ONLY me.....but I was just curious to say the least. lol.

 

My car's pretty new yet so I haven't noticed anything yet, but it is also garaged a lot. I'll be on the lookout......

 

i had heard all these people with leaks in there cars and i live in one of the wettist places in us and not a leak with 24k on car.[sm=confused06.gif]

 

Well thats the thing, most of the leaks are through the windshield or the firewall, this is in the taillights. I had them order me some new gaskets so it'll be fixed, but still....kinda retardish for it to happen. I think the design of the taillight is what causes it. The area between the light and the trunk acts as a runway for water from the roof/trunk/rear window. So my theory is that the water slides down the runway and over time the gasket on the taillight just can't hold it, and gives way for the water to come in.

*shrugs* As usual, its just my car! [>:]

 

I wonder if some quality silicone would help it last longer??? Or just make it a B**ch to replace next time.

Scott

 

you had some real fits with that car spark i wish you luck in future endevers.

 

Well I had new gaskets put on the wing. Actually they doubled up on the gaskets, and plugged the holes with silicone before reinstalling. In a few days Ill re-torque it. They're planning on using silicone for the tailights also.

When I had the headlight leak problem, they did the same thing, around the openings in the bulb they put silicone, so yes I can still change the bulb, and the headlight, but anything that could POSSIBLY leak is doused in some sexy black silicone. Yum !

 

ooohhhhh i like the sound of that.