What are the causes of water leakage in the trunk of the 11th-generation Excelle?
3 Answers
11th-generation Excelle trunk water leakage may be caused by worn or aged sealing strips or trunk deformation. Below are detailed explanations and solutions: 1. Sealing strips: Vehicle waterproofing relies on sealing strips, which are made of rubber material with certain strength and hardness to resist deformation under pressure. Solution: Clean the sealing strips multiple times during spring and autumn using damp cotton for gentle wiping. If the vehicle will be parked for extended periods, perform thorough cleaning beforehand to prevent natural aging. 2. Trunk deformation: Vehicle trunks follow specific design rules with drainage curvature in zones A, B, C, and D. If the trunk's structure gets compromised, severe leakage may occur during rain. Solution: Drain water completely by removing the trunk floor's drain plug.
My 2011 Buick Excelle also had trunk water leakage issues before, and it took a long time to locate the problem. The most common cause is aging and deformation of the trunk sealing rubber strip. After ten years of use, the rubber becomes completely hardened, allowing water to flow directly through gaps during car washes. Additionally, the tail light sealing gasket is particularly prone to issues, especially in cars where bulbs have been replaced – improper installation or flattening of the gasket can cause leaks. Cracks in the sealant around the rear windshield edges are another hidden danger, as rainwater can seep into the trunk compartment along the glass. Finally, don't forget to check the drainage holes at the bottom of the trunk. The Excelle's drainage holes are quite small, and when blocked by fallen leaves or mud, accumulated water can't drain and may flow back into the cabin. If you're doing it yourself, focus on cleaning the drainage holes and inspecting the sealing strips. Replacing a sealing strip only costs around a hundred yuan.
Having repaired numerous cases of trunk leakage in 2011 Buick Excelle models, the issues typically boil down to a few common culprits. First and foremost is the deformed trunk lid sealing strip failing to close tightly—over time, the strip shrinks, leaving gaps. Second, inspect the sealing gasket of the taillight assembly; improper reinstallation post-maintenance or aging-induced deformation is rampant. Third, pay attention to the drainage grooves on both sides of the trunk—mud accumulation can create water pools that backflow. The troubleshooting sequence should be: unclog drainage holes first, then check for cracks in the sealing strip, and finally remove taillights to address the gasket. A recommended method is the watering test: lay paper towels in the trunk and spray water along door seams with a showerhead to quickly pinpoint leaks. Replace deformed strips outright; resealing gaskets with adhesive usually resolves most issues.
