OEM Roof Rack Leak

Yup, this was also a big issue. If your truck is still within warranty they will fix this at the dealer.

 

If it’s the third brake light/rear window leaking, there’s no chance that there would be water traveling across to the front end of the cab. The headliner helps to localize the leak because of its concave shape, so there’s no path for water to actually travel up there. So it seems like it would still be your roof rack leaking unfortunately.

 

Acsarm, sorry if my post wasn't clear. The leak is coming down the rear window, on the driver's side.

 

Gluvva, here's a video of my light gasket. There is some play in it. Is this what yours looked like before replacement?
https://youtu.be/DzLGcO_69_I

 

I would go to the dealer and get this sorted out if you still have warranty. but usually third brake light issue is going to be in that area not the 2nd row windows.

 

Have you tried spraying the area with a hose to diagnose where the leak is coming from? I would try spraying just the rear windows first to see if they do, if not then I would travel up the roof rack to where the rear bolts are at and check there.

 

I hear ya. Unfortunately, I'm over 36K. Also, I installed the roof rack, and have pulled it a couple of times. It's obvious that it's not a factory issue. I certainly don't want to accumulate any bad vehicle karma by trying to push this off on somebody else.

 

That's a solid game plan. I'll do that and report my findings. Thank you for your help.

 

I had the same issue with the third brake light leaking and took my 2017 to the Dealer and they didn't question replacing it along with the headliner outside the 36K mile warranty. I think it is a silent recall and if dealer won't do it call Toyota directly. Be you own advocate, this is a bad design issue and tell them you might have mold growing and have seem so many with the same issue on Tacomaworld and other forums. That will get their attention!

 

UPDATE! Hose tested the brake light assy. Leaks like a sieve. Thank you all for helping me get to the root of this problem!!

 

I bought one of these. It’s in the mail. Been reading and watching a lot of videos. Basically it’s going to leak if I don’t replace foam washers with rubber, put thread seal tape around the threads and then RTV silicone around all the screws correct? Also, would it help to RTV silicone the entire big channel that that black rubber strip occupies before installation or would that just be a waste?

 

I just used silicone around all of the screws and have had no issues. Naturally, after getting everything perfect I'm going to dump the OEM rack and replace it with an upTOP Overland rack. Good luck with your mod!

 

You want to sell the oem rack ? If so how much and pick up location

 

Good choice. I went this route. Go ahead and order the 3/4" punch. Also, try to cut the wire inside the channel liners before punching it. I didn't and it shifted. I also ended up stripping one of the holes. Was kind of hard to line up. But I drilled it out and just used a nut and washer. They have you silicone the top where you punch the wholes in the liner. I took it further and threw some silicone on the inside above the headliner. It's easy to access. Hit me up if you want me to explain how to get to them.

 

It may be a couple of months before my new rack comes in. But yes, once I've got the upTOP rack installed I'll sell the OEM rack.

 

I know this is an old thread at this point, but I just noticed my roof rack is leaking and I'll be following the suggestions here.

I went to the dealer to see if this would be covered under warranty and they said I'd be on the hook since I installed the roof rack. They explained that "if I tightened the screws too much, I would brake through the bottom of the screw holes". Is that a thing?? Do the holes have a bottom and is the clearance that tight? Or are they just holes and the shitty foam gaskets barely do anything?

 

I’d love to see someone cut open a wrecked 2016 in a junkyard so we could see the side profile of the bolt holes and third brake light area. It’s such a botched design that makes Toyota look like it’s engineers never built a vehicle with a roof before. Sorry, man. I feel you.

 

Did you get it installed? Don't leave us hangin..

 

I just picked up the OEM roof rack and am a bit sus of the foam seals and whether they'd deteriorate pretty quickly.

Are you folks substituting 1/4" ID x ~3/4" OD neoprene washers of a similar thickness in their place?

I'm thinking of swapping those foam washers for Neoprene ones and then coating the bolt threads with a healthy amount of marine silicone sealant.

 

I’ve done my first roof rack and a friends where they were both second hand. I just did another and I’ve had ZERO leaks. Use 3M automotive double side tape (7/8”). use punches (I’ll get the sizes) and cut circles from the tape with center hole. Use those instead of the foam. Poke the hole for the bolt in the body tape using an awl or Phillips screwdriver. Place the ring around the hole by placing the ring on the bolt… screw in to start and slide the ring until it contacts the body. Remove bolt and install bracket and then rail. You want water to be able to pass around, but not access hole. I have photos from years ago somewhere…