How long will 3rd brake light cab gasket last?

The adhesive foam seal between the cab body itself and 3rd brake light fixture (called high mount lamp), does this foam generally need to be replaced, or do they seal pretty good even at this age? No signs of water on rear cab floor, not sure where else to look.

 

Mine is good still

 

Too many factors to really know for sure. I'd say if it isn't leaking don't mess with it.

But if you need to replace a bulb or something, then I'd assume you'll probably need to replace it. Even then, I'd probably roll the dice and leave it unless it completely falls apart.

If you're looking for a source you might try something like rockauto or autoanything

 

On your truck with 590K or another one? Thats really great to hear, my truck has over 260K - but its cleaner and in better shape than the last 130K Tacoma I owned...

 

Thanks, there is a rubber lens gasket which I am replacing as it was rotted out - this is what made me a little concerned about the body to fixture gasket; the lens gasket is easy to replace only two screws when changing bulbs etc - I think this may be what your thinking of.

The one I am concerned about is the foam gasket betweeen the actual light fixture and the cab body - which if it leaks then water is going into your cab; it is foam from what I understand so maybe it has a longer lifespan the the rubber lens gasket? Hopefully. Problem is you have to pull the headliner and all trim around it (complete pain) to get to the nuts inside the cab which hold the light fixture.

 

If you want to replace it I don’t think Toyota sells just the gasket, you have to buy the entire brake light assembly, or buy an aftermarket seal which may have questionable specs or make your own.

I don’t think you’d have much of an issue with the foam as it spends most of its time out of direct sunlight aside from the edges. The only weathering effect is mainly temp change.

 

I got ya...

Yeah, that one is a total PITA to get to. If you don't have any signs of leaks, I'd leave it alone. I can't remember hearing of that gasket wearing out or anything.

I was also thinking of an upgraded rear facing light that mount to where this 3rd light mount that has 2 "pod" lights that can be used for bed lighting etc. You have to remove the headliner to get to the bolts like you say. That kit might even come with a new gasket, though...

 

Thanks, your right you have to buy the whole unit over $100 to do it right - but found a foam gasket on Amazon "MOFORKIT 3rd Third Brake Light Seal Gasket for Toyota Tacoma 1995 to 2016", but like you said it may be lesser quality from stock - so hate to install something like that if not needed as it could end up being a downgrade, Im big on buying factory Toyota parts when the price is fair.

Thats good to hear about the foam not having contact with sunlight, makes sense; like I mentioned what mainly concerned me is that my rubber lens seal gasket was half rotted out - but rubber is completely different and its probably getting full on direct sunlight inside the lens too.

 

Yeah rubber is subject to dry rot especially since it’s a 20 year old truck. The foam is probably hardened but it’s dual sided adhesive so I wouldn’t worry too much. If I had to i’d just do a DIY epdm foam like 1/16” thick gasket if you ever go to replace it.

 

silicon on the outside is an even red-necky-er fix... Don't even have to remove the headliner for that... lol

 

Yep that works too. Much easier. Would actually look near invisible if clear stuff is used and a nice bead is put down.