Water leak between cab and bed

Has anyone had a leak in the cab behind the back seats and under the rear window? There was a musty odor in my truck and thought it was the rear-brake light on the top of the cab, but after further investigation I found it is leaking from the 2 plastic pieces with tabs under the rear window between the cab and bed.

My fix would be to pop out the plastic pieces using the tabs, apply sealant around them then re-install but wanted see if there was a better solution or if this issue has happened to anyone else.

I'm open to any suggestions as well.

 

a common problem. search titles for "vent leak".
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cab-pressure-vents-leaking-water.842129/

 

Thank you @pdxTacoSR5 for the link, that pointed me in the right direction.

TLDR -- You can replace the cabin vents without completely removing the truck bed.

I tried to fix the existing vent's with Permatex create-a-gasket & silicone but I couldn't seal them enough from the inside and it still leaked The top of both vent gaskets were completely dry-rotted/deteriorated.

Bought 2 OEM vent gaskets online and replaced both.
Part# - 62930-04040 DUCT ASSZ4B218
https://www.oemgenuineparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-pressure-vent-6293004040


Below are my steps, hopefully it helps others out in the future.

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Remove the rear bumper. 2-3 people makes this easier as it's bulky and a little heavy.
Helpful video -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayx7P144-B4
Title (if link didn't work) -- "3rd Gen Tacoma Rear Bumper & Hitch Removal" on youtube

3. Remove & Disconnect both Tail Lights, 3 10mm bolts each side.

4. Remove Gas Cap and shroud, 4 phillips screws.

5. Remove the 6 bed bolts, T-55 Torx (breaker bar helps)

6. The bed should move freely enough so you can lift and it move it around a little so you can work.

7. Lift one side of the bed up & out at to create enough space to remove the old vent and install the new one. I used pieces of wood of the lifted side to support it. When doing the driver's side, be careful what you brace the lifted part of the bed because the fuel tank and fuel lines are there.

8. Put everything back together. We threaded the 6 bed bolts in then re-attached the bumper.

9. Re-connect the battery.

10. Verify all rear lights work.


Took about 2 hours to complete.
Cheers!