P38A Has anyone removed the E pillar exterior trim?

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Lone_Wolf

Active Member
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Hi,

Am trying to find the leak path where water is entering then filling up the spare wheel well. So far I have checked the following:
  • Rear sunroof drain tubes.
  • Tailgate seal has been replaced.
  • Small amount of water entering via tailgate release button. Now fixed.
  • Rear side windows appear sealed and good.
I'm convinced water is getting in from poorly sealed body seams above the tail lights. Reason I say this is I found water under the light units in the void created by the structures in that area. I want to see what is under the part labelled 3 (BTR6227 FINISHER-E POST, LH) in the diagram below:

FINISHER-E-POST_LH_zpszydt6pwa.jpg

I cannot see how this is fixed if at all to the side window. Obviously the screws hold it in place where the top tailgate opens, but I'm assuming some other fastening on the side. Has anyone here taken these off the car? Is it just the screws holding it on or some other method as well?

Thanks,

Carl....
 
The rear one is screws inside tailgate reveal ,then you slide it rearwards..front one is screwed behind door rubber and is glued to rubber at the top
 
Not likely to be that anyway. Make sure the lamp is sealed properly, but favorite for boot leak is seal where top and bottom gates meet. Remove seal and bent lip out 5 mm then put a strip of duct tape over lip and replace seal. See service bulletins for full instructions.
 
Thanks for the replies.
Wammers when I replaced the seal I checked it seals all the way round and checked by hosing around the shut lines. I have seen the TB in question and my new replacement seal has the cut outs and I correctly positioned them on refitting. I'm convinced the seal is not in this case to blame.
One reason for saying that is the water I found just under the right hand tail light. I cannot conceive of a way water could get in there via the tailgate seal.
Thanks for the pointers chaps, the investigation must continue with a more extensive load space strip out.

Carl....
 
Lone_Wolf said:
Thanks for the replies.
Wammers when I replaced the seal I checked it seals all the way round and checked by hosing around the shut lines. I have seen the TB in question and my new replacement seal has the cut outs and I correctly positioned them on refitting. I'm convinced the seal is not in this case to blame.
One reason for saying that is the water I found just under the right hand tail light. I cannot conceive of a way water could get in there via the tailgate seal.
Thanks for the pointers chaps, the investigation must continue with a more extensive load space strip out.

Carl....
Click to expand...

I didn't say it was that causing your particular leak, that was general info for anyone else chasing a boot leak.. I did say check the seals on the lamp. ;);)
 
Hire a smoke machine, and you will then see where the leak is coming from, a lot less expensive than just changing parts that dont need changing, cost to buy one is £40
 
Last edited:
if you do attempt to remove this trim, be very careful, because polsta on here wanted to change his fading pair for some better ones and ham-fistedly managed to shatter his back window! :eek:
 
Adit said:
if you do attempt to remove this trim, be very careful, because polsta on here wanted to change his fading pair for some better ones and ham-fistedly managed to shatter his back window! :eek:
Click to expand...

How did he manage that?! Couple of screws and they sort of twist off the corner. Tend to be a bit mucky underneath.
 
Think removing them is a can of worms I'll leave closed for now.

Not sure I need a smoke machine just yet as I still have some other things to check. Interesting idea all the same. I did see the Aston Martin episode of Wheeler Dealers where one was used to find a leak.

Had a similar thing on our Focus and got the local Ford dealer to sort it. Took them 2 weeks and 3 goes at it. Think that was poor sealing between welded panels. Been OK for several years now.
 
I have removed both e pillars on my p38, my advice would be to leave well alone...... drivers side came off like a dream, the passengers side was glued to the glass and shattered the side window
 
Stevekennah said:
I have removed both e pillars on my p38, my advice would be to leave well alone...... drivers side came off like a dream, the passengers side was glued to the glass and shattered the side window
Click to expand...
i would be interested how you did it,my car needs a respray,it has had the rear wings sprayed before and is a mess around the e post surround,only way to get a good finish now would be to remove this trim thanks.
 
paul58 said:
i would be interested how you did it,my car needs a respray,it has had the rear wings sprayed before and is a mess around the e post surround,only way to get a good finish now would be to remove this trim thanks.
Click to expand...
Well as noted I did end up smashing one of the windows so you have been warned

All I did was remove all of the screws and the black plastic clip at the top, once youve done that just wiggle and push the E pillar backwards

Quite simple if they are not glued
 
Stevekennah said:
Well as noted I did end up smashing one of the windows so you have been warned

All I did was remove all of the screws and the black plastic clip at the top, once youve done that just wiggle and push the E pillar backwards

Quite simple if they are not glued
Click to expand...
thanks.
 
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