Water In Foot Well C34

[Jamesk89]

Can someone tell me what size the heater core hoses on the firewall are and what fittings i need. when I do take them off to bypass the core should I bleed the system after to get any air out. Where are the coolant bleeder valves on the engine?

[KiwiRS4T]

There is on one the front (illustrated) and one on the back but I can't remember where as my set-up is different now:

[Jnr]

Check where the loom comes through the firewall

If the bung hasn't been seated properly it can leak through that

id say its this if its been raining

have u had a stereo installed? if they made the hole too big, itll leak water back in. Thats what happened to me

jnr

[Jamesk89]

Im pretty sure it's the heater core and it's leaking into the foot well through the air con duct

[KiwiRS4T]

Im pretty sure it's the heater core and it's leaking into the foot well through the air con duct

I have had that problem before but I don't think I have it now. When your heater core is leaking your windscreen steams up all the time and you should (I can't remember though it was 4 -5 years ago) notice that the coolant level is going down.

My coolant level stays the same and I think water only comes in when it rains hard or I wash the car so I think my current problem is elsewhere.

[oscillo hero]

ive had the same issue on 2 c34's. one was a 97 rs4 and the other a 98 autech. only happens when it rains and only affects drivers footwell. its not soacking wet just mildly damp and smells like wet dog if ya leave it locked up for the day. doesnt rain much here so i just crank the fan in the footwell to dry it up. be nice to know where to look as it seems a common fault or design flaw.

[KiwiRS4T]

I assumed the rain was getting in somewhere and was looking for the drains from the sunroof(s) but the recent spell of hot weather alerted me to another cause - there was no water under the car from the aircond so I assume that the drain is blocked or mis-aligned and that is what is causing it. Will check it out on the weekend.

(A leaking heater radiator normally results in not just water in the foot wells but also steamed up front screen)

[oscillo hero]

well of the two stageas i had the rs4 had dual sunroofs and the autech no sunroofs. both have same issue but only when it rains

Edited January 9, 2013 by oscillo hero

[Trex]

Has anyone fixed this?

Where does the ac drain pipe connect under the dash?

[66yostagea]

Well I finally have the leak only when it rains. Funny it did not leak when Oswald dumped his load, it started after. Looking under the dash, there is some rust on the steering column cover near where it goes thru the firewall. May be a leaky windscreen. Hope not.

[Trex]

I've pulled the 'beaver panel' plastic panel under the windscreen out twice and i have siliconed and re seated/joined the rubbers around the affected area.

i've taken pictures of where it is possible for water to get in, and what i have done to fix it... Fingers crossed it's fixed it.

[KiwiRS4T]

I've pulled the 'beaver panel' plastic panel under the windscreen out twice and i have siliconed and re seated/joined the rubbers around the affected area.

i've taken pictures of where it is possible for water to get in, and what i have done to fix it... Fingers crossed it's fixed it.

Can you post up the pics please?

[Trex]

It looks messy, but it 'should' do the job, and last for years.

I read the green window holder was a culprit and you could push it with your fingers via the fan blower. (Having already taken it out twice, i could not be bothered to see for myself)

The beaver panel rubber is another factor, if it's broken it will let too much water in causing it to pool and run back in under the window.

If the drain gap is blocked, the same thing will happen.

The window surround also needs to be firm and flat against the body and the window.

Use screws instead of the clips, screws wont move and it sits firmer eliminating most of the water run off from entering under the beaver panel.

I'm not 100% sure this will fix the problem, but from what I've seen and read this is the major cause of water leaking into the cabin. also use a silicone/glue that isn't harmful to rubber.

[Trex]

I've had some bad weather since my last post. and i haven't had any water leak into the cabin.