ML 430 water leak fix
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
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ML430
ML 430 water leak fix
The photos show the cause of the leak into my passenger compartment on my 2000 ML 430. I pulled the sill plate, kick panel around the fuse panel and blocked the carpet up to expose the body. Opened the sunroof and poured water into the drain channel. Water ran out behind the right front wheel but also into the passenger compartment in behind the fuse panel to puddle up in the channel next to the door sill.
I removed the 5 plastic nuts that retained the inner fender liner and removed the liner. With my hand I was able to feel the outlet of the drain tube and noticed it was not engaged in the opening. I then unbolted the right front fender (3 bolts behind the door and 4 under the engine hood), I was then able to swing the fender out and grip the drain nozzle with pliers and pull it into position. I then applied urethane sealant to the perimeter of the nozzle to seal it off and provide some adhesion to prevent it from dislodging again.
Before I reassembled the panels and fender I once again poured water into the channel and verified that the leak was fixed.
Total time: 2.5 hours
I removed the 5 plastic nuts that retained the inner fender liner and removed the liner. With my hand I was able to feel the outlet of the drain tube and noticed it was not engaged in the opening. I then unbolted the right front fender (3 bolts behind the door and 4 under the engine hood), I was then able to swing the fender out and grip the drain nozzle with pliers and pull it into position. I then applied urethane sealant to the perimeter of the nozzle to seal it off and provide some adhesion to prevent it from dislodging again.
Before I reassembled the panels and fender I once again poured water into the channel and verified that the leak was fixed.
Total time: 2.5 hours
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6
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ML320
I'm having the same problem with my 2000 ML, looking forward to trying your solution... this only happened after a tree fell on my hood during Hurricane Irene. The shop (non-dealer) has looked it at several times with no idea what's going on.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
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ML430
Sounds like you may have the same problem. The impact of the tree could have dislodged the nozzle. From my article and photos they should have no problem determining if that is the problem. Good luck.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 23
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From: Pearland, TX
2003 ML500
I am having kinda the same problem. Water is leaking in the same way as described above but, I took the fender off and the drain tube is in postition. I blew it out to make sure its not clogged but still leaks. Any ideas???
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
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ML430
water leak
That drain fitting in my photo is attached to the tube that runs down the windshield pillar. Make sure the tube is attached on both ends. You will have to pull off the inside kick panel to check the lower end and remove the pillar cover to check the upper end. While you have the panels off you can get an assistant to pour water onto the sunroof tray and observe whether the water is coming down from the top indicating the hose has come off the tray or out at the lower end down by the floor boards. A good method for the upper area is to stuff the channel in the windshield pillar with tissue paper. If the tube has come unattached from the tray the paper will become wet.
Good Luck...
Good Luck...
