I've got a leak dripping out of the drivers side B pillar. I traced it back, and noticed I've got some rust right under the factory roof rack, towards the rear side of the second seat door. Pictures below. I've attached outside and inside perspectives, and far out and close up of each perspective (to better show where exactly I'm referring).

The headliner has been out for a year, because I had it reupholstered. I've been chasing various leaks for a while (including a stubborn windshield leak, and both quarter windows which have been inexplicably attached to the frame with Urethane and not Butyl??). No leaks have been permanently fixed, which is so frustrating. But the most recent discovery was this rust spot that exists on both sides of the car.

Any suggestions for fixes? I need to remove the roof rack, but I cant find any good discussion on what that entails. I see 5 Torx bolts holding it on, but I'm worried I need to find a replacement rubber gasket pad that goes between the factory rack and the roof? And then I need to evaluate the rust damage. Im hoping if its not extensive, I can just grind it out a bit, and use Bondo.

Anybody have similar issues, and have any advice to throw my way?




Center of the photo - you can see the air gap where its rusted through.