MK4 GOLF GTI INTERIOR WATER LEAK PT.2

Hello and welcome to the SPOOLIN UP channel.
In today's video I fix a recurring problem I have been having with the GTI. In winter months the car has been allowing water into the interior whenever it rains. This results in condensation, wet carpets, mould and damp.
After thr first fix I tried it definitely helped somewhat but there was still an underlying problem. I believe it is now fixed and could possibly be down to the fact that the area under the scuttle panel was clogged and partially blocking the drain holes. This fix coupled with the use of silicone sealant to prevent any water entry shall now keep the car dry.
Thanks for coming to watch and dont forget to LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE : )

[@blueboyscotland]

This was exactly the information I needed, I'm incredibly grateful to you for posting this. Google found you in one click. 👍👍👍😎

[@SPOOLINUP]

Wicked!! There is another video that I made with the same issue and that may also help you so maybe its worth checking that out too. Good luck to you and I hope it helps!

[@seanlyons161]

Thanks for your effort again Naz, I did exactly this last year and wanted to wait for the dry season to seal it. I forgot about it and now you have reminded me to look into this again. I’ve not seen many detailed videos on this particular leak so thank you again!

[@SPOOLINUP]

No worries man you are welcome, it is an easy enough job to be honest, doesn't cost much either. You just need a bit of patience, time, a dry day and you are good to go.

[@peterw1016]

Thanks for a good clear description, and clear filming. I've got a bad leak when parked nose up on a hill...can see from the video it could be water going through that seal instead of down the drain at the side as they'ld be about level due to the hill.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hey, sorry to hear about the water as I know it's really frustrating. Give that area under the panel a good clean and inspection, then I'm sure it will be all good. It definitely sounds like it could be coming from that area.

[@jabberwockytdi8901]

Yes the electrical cover is a common one, the pollen filter box can also leak but the drivers side is worse as the cover distorts and the seal doesn't have a big enough lip to cope with that , also all the water that runs in from the scuttle panel runs straight down the wiper pivot onto the cover , use butyl tape on that seal is better than silicone for this, don't screw the cover nuts down massively hard thats what bends the cover. I stuck a plastic deflector on the cover under the wiper pivot so the water runs straight into the scuttle not down over the edge of the cover, yes make sure no leaves etc. are stopping the drain into the inner wong working properly and causing water to pool in the scuttle area. While you are in there take the wiper linkage out and regrease the pivots to stop the linkage wearing out and siezing up , - if you get an MOT advisory for slow wipers that's usually the issue.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Wicked mate!! Priceless advice 👌🏾 I hope that other people read this comment because it could really help them. Advice is golden. I will be sure to grease the wiper motor up actually, it's good for now but it's better to prevent than cure. Top man thank you 👌🏾

[@zeuss1353]

Yo mate, can you maybe explain the butyl part and the plastic deflector part you explained earlier? And what’s the scuttle area. I’m Dutch so sometimes British is a bit hard.

[@SPOOLINUP]

The scuttle is the panel around the bottom of the windscreen where the wipers are.

[@zeuss1353]

@@SPOOLINUP ohh so its the cowl

[@SPOOLINUP]

Yes exactly

[@zachtaylor3070]

I’ve had wet floors for ages and found a broken pollen filter rain tray sorted that then had to reseal the inside or the doors behind the door cards fixed one side and still didn’t know what to do till I came across this video gonna check it out next much appreciated for this bro

[@SPOOLINUP]

It seems like there can be a number of issues causing the water in the car. It's a bit of trial and error. If you check through the comments, some people have other suggestions. Have you had any luck so far?

[@everyonesanexpert]

I got the same problem bro. Just a quick note to say your videos are informative and I'm subbed. I am working on a V5 MK4 golf and have been messing about with VW's on and off for years. I'm no expert but I found from my experience that if you want to remove the wiper arm tool free, then you remove the nut from the arm(like you did) and then lift the wiper blade up from the screen in the service position ( as if you were about to change the wiper blade) and keep it in that postion, this loosens the tension on the spring underneath and then you can lift the entire arm away from the windscreen by gently pulling on the smaller part (the plastic piece that surrounds that nut) i hope that makes sense. It worked for me, no lie but I still dont know how I worked that one out til this day. 😆👍

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hey man, really appreciate your comment brother. I like the sound of the V5 Mk4 actually, I used to work with someone who had one. I know exactly what you are talking about in terms of removing the wiper arm, just stand it up and give it a good wiggle. By the way since the most recent fix I have had no issues at all with water in the car, its bone dry no matter how much rain there is. Your explanation made total sense by the way. 👍🏽

[@rollin-rebuilds-uk7065]

Easy brother , mk4 life I hated it I ripped all my interior out and replace the grommets for the bonnet and wire loom , hope you get it sorted bud 💪💪

[@rollin-rebuilds-uk7065]

Deffo looks alot fresher bro got my fingers crossed, hope your move goes well

[@SPOOLINUP]

Yes brother it is absolutely fine, no more condensation and water droplets on the windows, it used to be like that daily. I hope that is the last time I have to mess with niggling problems

[@suj1945]

Nice one finding another leak and documenting the work.

[@SPOOLINUP]

This was definitely the one that haunted me the whole time I think. Thanks for your comment man I appreciate it 👍🏽

[@carlossalvetti6770]

I have a leak exactly in the same area where your car does. Great detailed video. Will be using your video as a reference.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hey man, I hope it all works out for you and the fix goes to plan you will be happy when it's finally dry again.

[@carlossalvetti6770]

@@SPOOLINUP I did follow up your video except I did it on the left side since we drive here on the "right" side of the road. ;-) Kidding aside, both rubber gaskets at the bottom of the plastic harness transition box as well as the cover were completely dry and cracked. IT took me some time to clean the old rubber on both the bottom and lid, but once they were cleaned, I proceeded to remove the remaining rubber residue from the metal itself using a knife, cleaned it with alcohol and then applied silicone to make new gaskets. Also I had tons of old leaves and dirt (the car is from 1999) as well as leaves residues under the mud guards. The leak is gone, all the residue of 20+ years was cleaned and the car has been under the rain from 2 days and not even a drop of water inside the car. Thanks again for your video and instructions. GOOD JOB!

[@SPOOLINUP]

@carlossalvetti6770 I'm really happy to hear that you managed to get it all fixed. It sounds like you did a great job and left no stone unturned. I think I got one of the best feelings from working on my car when I fixed this water leak because it was so irritating. You are welcome by the way and I'm happy the video was a help to you. Respect 👊🏾

[@robertfleckney8335]

This video is really useful, cheers. I’ve already sealed up the drivers regulator panel, but I’m not convinced it’s the only leak. Your video is really detailed and gives some nice close ups of the problem areas 👍🏻

[@SPOOLINUP]

Thanks, appreciate that man. As someone else here in the comments reminded me you can get a build up of gunk behind the inner wheel arch liner and I think that can also allow moisture in. I would say to remove the scuttle panel, clear all gunk/debris and I think its good enough. The only reason I had water getting in under that plastic box over the plugs is because of the leaves etc allowing water to build up and sit there. I'd be happy if the video helped you mate. Good luck 👊🏾

[@christ195]

Hiya buddy... Can you confirm if re sealing the inner door panel stopped the dribble of water seen on the top of sill inner plastic cover at the bottom of the door? I have just re sealed the plastic cover under the scuttle/ cowl as per your video after discovering water dripping down the inner bulkhead also. Big thanks for that info.. Will be opening up the bora next fir the same treatment.. Removing the scuttle/cowl panel without breaking it quite difficult.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hi mate, after doing both fixes I have not had any water in the car at all, so I can confirm that both work. Someone pointed out that you should also seal where the speakers sit on that same inner door panel. Have you also cleared out the drain holes at the bottom of the door? They are know to get clogged with grime as well so you could inspect them if you haven't already.

[@philipple59988]

i am having the same problem ( I think) so thanks for the list of tools and method on how to fix it:) what kind of silicon have you used?

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hello, you could first off try to just remove the scuttle panel and clear all of the debris and drain holes. You could then put it back together and see how it goes. I used just normal clear general purpose silicone for that job. I hope you can fix it.

[@philipple59988]

@@SPOOLINUP after Consulting the internet and other KZbinrs I was led to believe that it was possible to remove the wiper arm without the tool that you use in your video.... so I've postponed the project to this weekend where I will try again now where I've been delivered the right tool for the job. I've also purchased some silicon, but I could only find some stuff for boat supplies. I don't think my through holes are blocked because when I pour water on the windscreen it comes through in the wheel well and also above my clutch. also a big thank you for making this video it's great how much effort you put in explaining your method!!

[@SPOOLINUP]

It is certainly possible to remove the wiper arm without the tool, just spray a little WD-40 and give it a wiggle. Sometimes they do get seized though and require some patience. As for the drain holes, mine where still draining but there was debris allowing some water to sit in that area. If it rained then the sitting water would build up and make its way into the car even though some water was being drained. You are more than welcome, I hope you manage to get it fixed as soon as possible and good luck.

[@dopiaza2006]

Best way to mark the wipers is a bit of masking tape on the windscreen. Also, to remove the arms, just pull them up with your hand, refit the nut a few turns and tap the nut with a hammer. Doesn't take much for them to pop off.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@mikehayes2560]

Great video again mate! I’ll be certain have a look under my scuttle and give it a clean out. I’m sure it’s absolutely filthy in there 😂! Another common area for preventative maintenance would be behind the front mudguards and underneath the arch liner, it gets full of road grime and can start to corrode the arches. Cheers for always informative content bro 👍🏻

[@SPOOLINUP]

Sorry for the late reply man the notifications haven't been popping up. Definitely take that scuttle off and hoover that gunk out before it builds up and water gets in like mine. I was told about behind the inner arches as well man I need to get that off next time the wheels are off. Cheers for reminding me actually. Thanks again also for your comment and support mate 👊🏾

[@mikehayes2560]

@@SPOOLINUP that’s all good bro! It’s on the to do list for sure!! Ah no sweat! It’s unbelievable the amount of road grime that sits in there! You’re welcome mate! Thanks for the content haha!

[@SPOOLINUP]

I wish I had a garage with a ramp because my cars would be so much better and job times would have been slashed by at least half. Sometimes I can't be bothered to do things because I have to do it sitting or kneeling. You are welcome too man hopefully get some more nice content soon!!

[@mikehayes2560]

@@SPOOLINUP that’s legit the thing, a small hydraulic ramp wouldn’t break the bank but it’s having somewhere clean and dry to leave the ramp haha. Driveway struggles! I remember trying to change my ARB in the pouring rain, I erected a gazebo and everything. I got drenched and didn’t even managed to change the ARB 😂.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hahahaha ahhhhh man I know the pain. I was doing the water pump on the XR2 and I had put sealant on the gasket and was just butting it up to the block when the heavens opened. I couldn't go in because the sealant would dry so had to tighten all the bolts and go in. My mate has a hydraulic scissor ramp in his garage and you can get a nice bit of height underneath. You are still crawling under the ramp but its decent man and so much more convenient. I think he paid around £3k.

[@DanSmith-eu8lp]

Great video! I think you’ve solved my issue. Much appreciated!👍

[@SPOOLINUP]

You are welcome man I hope it works well for you 👌🏾

[@jonlouch8485]

Love your videos mate allways very informative and helpful 👍

[@SPOOLINUP]

Thank you man, im glad you like the videos and cheers for the feedback 👍🏽

[@Djiel]

Good video, hope it has solved your problem! Actually took off this panel on the Leon few days ago as well. Did you have any trouble refitting it properly? Seems mine no longer sits flush at the driver side, no matter what I do.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Thanks bro. Yes its solved the problem now and its all good, no more moisture, water, damp, mould or condensation so I'm very happy. The panel kind of clicks in to place, maybe take it off again and inspect it, also inspect where it slots into and try putting the drivers side in first, it might help you.

[@Djiel]

@@SPOOLINUP I discovered I put one of the rubber pieces that go where the wipers mount wrongly, that's why it didn't fit. While I had everything off again, I applied the same stuff like you did here as I found out the floor area below the pedals to be kinda wet. The box with the plugs was a different design on the Leon and quite the pain to remove.. but in the end I managed, hope it fixed it for me too 😄

[@SPOOLINUP]

Ahh I see, yes I know the rubber you are talking about. Sometimes these things can be fiddly. I put silicone sealant around that box and under the seal because I am 99% sure the water was getting in there. I think if the area wasn't blocked and gunked up it would have been ok but if it does ever get clogged up again it should stop the water getting into the car. Glad you did it mate, let me know if it fixed your problem.

[@Djiel]

​@@SPOOLINUP I had a lot of moisture on the inside of the windows and previously when I just cleaned the area of a bunch of the leaves/dirt/etc (and also at the wheel arch liner) it seemed to have gotten rid of that problem already. It looked like the seal of the box was pretty much dried out, I got rid of what remained of it and put silicone in the groove where the seal goes normally. Figured that would be enough. I still have some leak at the driver door but it looks like that stays on the plastic trim and doesn't actually end up on the carpets. I know how to fix this problem but about to (attempt to) convert the rear windows and mirrors to electric and with that I'll re-seal all the doors, hopefully solving it finally. It seems we're finally having some good weather so not sure when I'll properly be able to see if all of it is fixed haha.

[@SPOOLINUP]

@@Djiel Yes and you know a lot of people are angry about this, even people with the sunroofs have an added issue of the drain tubes that can leak as well. I was just saying to someone else who commented that I need to clean behind the wheel arch liner when I get the wheels off next. I was elated when I finally cracked it this time, my car is bone dry and I dont even get the condensation any more so I love the car again. So the drivers door leak you arent too worried but do you know what it is? My friend was saying to try the drain holes at the bottom of the door but mine were fine so that is what led me deeper and deeper to try and find the cause. Nice so that will be a cool conversion, I would like to get electric mirrors man. Weather is improving for sure man let's hope its here to stay 👍🏽

[@fastrace14]

This is a very good video and its very helpful well explained.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Thank you man, I appreciate that and hope it helps you if you need it.

[@alwaysvolks6147]

Looking good as always.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Thank you bro 👊🏾

[@YUNG_POLO98]

where was your water leak happening just on that drivers footwell?

[@SPOOLINUP]

Yes it was in the drivers footwell and running to the back as I park on a bit of an incline.

[@josephtrad7560]

I have golf 4 ....the water entre from the air filter...you must close or block the air filter with plastic plate 30×23 cm with silicone ...

[@SPOOLINUP]

I understand, are you talking about the pollen/cabin filter near the windscreen?

[@josephtrad7560]

@@SPOOLINUP yes...

[@TheCR85RIDER]

Just put coil overs on my mk4 the rear is adjusted all the way down but the passenger side is sitting a lot higher than the other side any ideas?

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hi mate, just a few things to check. Is the front even? Are you on even ground? Have you taken the car for a drive to let the suspension settle? Is the spring sitting on its mounts properly?

[@BigRustyJoe]

Great vid mate, get a new coolant bottle 😂

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hahaha thanks man appreciate your comment. What is wrong with it? The colour of it being off now? I will buy one just for you mate if they are cheap 🤣🤣

[@gorytarrafa]

Hey @*SPOOLIN UP* , did it solved the problem? Having the same issue with my 1.9 tdi , mine is left side wheel though.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hey man, yes this solved the problem. Remove that scuttle panel, clear all of the gunk and debris away from the entire area. Check water filters down through the drain holes.Take a look to see if your pollen filter housing has any cracks or damage. I would advise to do this first before applying silicone anywhere as you may not need to. Cross my fingers for you and hope it is all good 👍🏽

[@gorytarrafa]

@@SPOOLINUP Yeah i have to look that up because it's raining a lot now . Thank you brother.

[@SPOOLINUP]

@gorytarrafa Where are you based? I used to dread the rain knowing my car would be soaked, mould on the head liner was horrible. Good luck im sure you will sort it. Does it come from behind the dash?

[@gorytarrafa]

@@SPOOLINUP I live in Portugal, every day my windows are soaked in water but I never thought I was getting water I thought I was sweaty, until my brother-in-law complained in his golf (a car just like mine) that water was getting in and that it already looked like a lake that the carpet and rugs were all soaked and then he went to look at mine and when he lifted the driver and rear passenger rugs there was the rug all wet too, it has been raining a lot here and there must be some point of water entry but we still could not find out were it's cming from. I'm gona start from were you fix and then probably gona check my door too because that plate that holds the window's motor has been removed several times for fixes and the silicone must already be quite bad and it could be a point of entrance too. Again thanks for the help , have a good one brother .

[@SPOOLINUP]

Yes well I would suggest to feel around up behind the dashboard and see if you can sense moisture. Just try and find the highest point that is wet and it should help you. You can alway pour water on the car as see if you are able to find a drip or flow of water. As for the door panels you can also try that and the drain holes at the bottom of the doors sometimes become clogged. Good luck either way and I hope you get it sorted.

[@dopiaza2006]

Be VERY careful with the wiper motor/linkage. It's permanently powered and if it for any reason activates while your fingers are down there it will snap bones without even trying. Always disconnect the battery or at the very least disconnect the wiper motor plug before putting anything (!) in there that you don't want snapped off!

[@SPOOLINUP]

Oh really? that sounds concerning, I've never heard of that happening to anyone before.

[@shanel104]

If you press on the bend of the wiper while pulling it off, it comes off easily wi out any need for tools

[@SPOOLINUP]

Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it isn't. The arms do get seized though, especially if they've never been off before.

[@seanlyons161]

The clear plastic where you can see the chassis number you can pull it all away it looks neater albeit the window is exposed

[@SPOOLINUP]

Yes its very easy to pull it all away, I might try and get another panel or work something out rather than removing it completely.

[@seanlyons161]

@@SPOOLINUP the scuttle trays are £150 new. I probably wouldn’t mind getting one seen as though I’m keeping this car forever!

[@SPOOLINUP]

£150 new isn't that bad to be fair. I wonder if you can buy a piece of clear acrylic and just replace it yourself

[@seanlyons161]

@@SPOOLINUP If you do, i'd love to see how you get on doing it? might be worth a video :)

[@SPOOLINUP]

Yes I've ordered a piece of perspex so will look into it for sure mate

[@garycrofts1421]

You sealed the door panel but not the door speaker. Water comes through the regulator panel via the speaker.

[@SPOOLINUP]

Hey, I've changed my speakers now and sealed up where they are mounted to the door panel. Unfortunately I didn't actually fix the problem with this video. I have a part two where I discovered where the water was entering the car. Thanks for your help

[@user-ej9yb4yc2l]

very well explained…& very handsome 😋

[@SPOOLINUP]

Thanks M 😘

[@davekowalski9236]

Thanks man!!!!

[@SPOOLINUP]

You are welcome man

[@aaronbell8527]

Wounder if this why my clock lights are dim

[@SPOOLINUP]

My clock was not showing temperature etc in the center screen like trip computer etc and now it's all fine since it dried out. I used to get condensation in the clocks.

[@mrlc6mgt993]

[@SPOOLINUP]

👊🏾

[@Mrfurballs]

What causes the leak in the hatch back area ? the rear seat area , i can see leaks when it rains outside , i can see the water dripping from the rear drain tubes .

[@SPOOLINUP]

It depends, does your car have a sun roof? Is it a 4-door? Is the water in the boot area? It it in the footwell?

[@Mrfurballs]

its a 2 door MK4 golf gti vr6 , the water is dripping from the connection tip of the brown tubes leading to the rear of the car .

[@SPOOLINUP]

I know sometimes these drain tubes become blocked, which can result in water entering the car. In your case they may have come detached or brittle. Can you see where it is leaking on the drain hose?

[@Mrfurballs]

@@SPOOLINUP ohhh okay i see , yeah my rear drain hoses is leaking from the connection closes to the sunroof , Water drips from the connection closes to the sunroof onto my rear seats , not where the spare tire goes 👍🏼

[@SPOOLINUP]

@volkswagenvr6468 I am not too sure what is involved in this job as I do not have a sunroof model. You should be able to find some useful information on some of the forums or on Facebook on the Mk4 groups.