Hi all, have long intended to check the sunroof drains on my 2019 MY. Finally got around to checking them today and was not too surprised to find some rust however on closer inspection I think I may have just gotten lucky and have been able to buy myself some more time by inserting a couple of stainless steel sleeves along with a bit of rust treatment and a healthy dose of WD40.

In the images you can see the 2 drain holes, the sleeve used and also the end result after inserting the sleeves.

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+1 Thanks for the reminder, I really need to check these  2018 SE SDV8 4.4 Byron Blue

I just checked mine—right now, the left one looks worse.
I measured the diameter and it seems to be around 7.5–8 mm. Does that sound accurate to you? Could you also share the length of the one you used?
Lastly, can you tell us where we can get those sleeves?
Thanks a lot!

Looks like I need one (or maybe 2) so just looked them up
https://www.toolstation.com/hep2o-smartsleeve-pipe-support/p29345
Or
https://www.screwfix.com/p/hep2o-smartslee...pack/6398f

I have a mate coming out in a couple of weeks, so asked him to bring some.

Good video here -

Are you sure about the diameter? It looks more like 7.5 - 8mm, not 10... The 10mm diameter seems to be OK for complete replacement, not for inserting in the already existing pipe.

I just took it from the video I linked to - it's in the description on YouTube - I haven't actually measured

This is what I used, event though these are sold out there are plenty other types that do the same job. Dimensions are in the attached image. They were an absolutely lovely fit and pushed in quite easily with a little effort. They do sit slightly proud of the original but as you can see from the first images they drain perfectly well.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256388938203

also available from here and probably any good hardware store, ToolStation etc.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/388377240993?_t...1506.m1851

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Thank you so much for the details. I was able to find a seller on eBay based in the UK but who ships to Europe. It seems this product is either unavailable elsewhere, goes by a different name, or I'm just having trouble locating it.

adara wrote:

Are you sure about the diameter? It looks more like 7.5 - 8mm, not 10... The 10mm diameter seems to be OK for complete replacement, not for inserting in the already existing pipe.

If you look at the diagram a couple of posts up, you'll see that despite being referred to as 10mm, they are actually narrower.

They are inserts to go inside a pipe that has an outside diameter of 10mm.

Those inserts are to fit inside Hep2o pipe which has an internal diameter of 6.7mm 2021 D350 Fifty Edition - Carpathian Grey
2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography (2021-2024) - Santorini Black
2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster (2016-2021) - Santorini Black

I did do this couple of months ago, bought the 10mm stainless inserts from Toolstation, and used some 3M epoxy glue to fit them in. it fits perfectly. It is very easy to clean now with small pipe cleaner.
My advise is to do this before it starts to rust. I think this is in the Wiki.
mine is a late 2016.

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Sorry for a possibly dumb question, but I thought the whole drain pipe can disintegrate. Is it not so? Does this insert help cause only "intake" is affected by rust?
Can someone describe in layman terms why fitting this insert is enough?
Thanks!

The video I linked above should explain it.

The weak point is where the steel tube / pipe meets the tray, so that's where the insert is used.

Immediately under the tray is a rubber pipe that runs down to the rear wheel arch. So the insert ends up inside the steel pipe inside the rubber tube.

If it's already broken off / crumbled away, then a jubilee clip should attach the rubber hose directly to the insert.

The issue is when the rubber hose becomes disconnected - then any water from the sunroof just drains straight into the headlining and down to the interior floor - then finds its way into various bits of electronics like amplifiers under the seats.

I haven't actually tried yet as my inserts haven't arrived, but I have watched a few videos in preparation.....

Actually thought metal tubes go much deeper, now it makes sense.
Thank you very much! Ordered the inserts, waiting for the car to come back from service (where else would 405s spend their time ), dying to check those holes)