water leak

[JohnHA]

At the rear of my BX GTI on either side there are plastic grills fitted, about waist height. I have noticed over the past weeks when i wash the car using the hosepipe that water seems to go through these grills into the wheel-brace and storage pockets in the boot area.

Are these grills sealed originally to prevent any water getting in and if so does anyone know the best way to remove them to replace the seal ? If that is possible !!

Any help gratefully received.
John.

[docchevron]

Well, they aren't sealed as such, but the inner side of them comprises a plastic vent box that has a foam type seal.
You'll need to remove the C pillar trims to get to them, they are held with two torx screws.

They are actually a semi slever bit of design that allows fresh air to circulate in the car since air enters the front and vents to atmosphere through those vents.

If they are leaking then I guess removing them and either replacing the seal or maybe bonding them on with some silicone or the such may cure it.

[BX Bandit]

unless they are filling up and overflowing when you're washing the car??? Originally, there was a plastic mesh gauze, probably to stop water ingress. Once the water is in, it has no where to go except evaporate or overflow!