Does anyone have any photos/instructions/tips on whether it's possible to get behind the A pillars(and below) to clear the front sunroof drain tubes?

I've seen some posts on photos on clearing the rear tubes, but none for the front except for a brief mention of using a Mityvac. I've got a few things I'm going to try but wanted to check to see if others have conquered the problem before.

Thanks!

 

No access to the tube from the a pillar but it is visble so a cut and shut may be possible. I did mine from above using some plastic weed wacker line and warm soapy water. Took a long time.

 

I have read here that there is a possible area of concern for leakage under the horizontal chrome trim piece above the doors- attached to the body- with possible leakage between the rubber under the trim piece and the body. This may warrant some consideration, as clearing the tubes, and inspecting all the potential problem areas (on many cars) can be long process.

 

I was able to get to them, and it wasn't all that hard, actually!

1. Pull off the top end of the A-pillar
2. Remove the sun visor (1 screw) and the grab handle (2 screws). You don't even have to remove visor. Just the screw. The visor itself can stay clipped in place.

That's it. With those 3 screws removed you can pull the headliner down just enough to reach in and remove the drain tube from the sunroof. Maybe have a towel handy in case there's water in the top end of the tube.

I used my wetvac on it and although I didn't get anything substantial out of there, I couldn't blow through the tubes before I started and I could blow through them afterwards AND when I tested it, water flowed through so I'm calling it done. I guess I dislodged whatever blockage enough for water (and air) to get out.

 

You could try using an air compressor and shoot some air down the lines. That is what I have done on other vehicles to clear them.

 

I used compressed air as well

 

I “heard”, (haven’t done a tear down yet) that the A pillar tube is more than one piece and part 1 (roof) and 2 (coming out of the bottom under the car) are not one continuous piece. I’m very likely to believe this because when I do my yearly maintenance of concentrated lemon water down the sunroof drains I sometimes get a leak right below the right hand side dash onto the footwell floor. Long story short…compressed air may not be a wise choice if it’s two tubes connected

 

I found using a thick gauge weed eater line is flexible enough to not cause damage, yet strong enough to unclogged any debris. I run the line down and then add some hot water and do it again. Twice a year to all four drains and so far (knock on wood) all good.

 

The XJ drains are a good design. Have another car that has a nipple on the bottom of the drain line. Perfect for catching debris and plugging. In that vehicle removing the tree debis from the top is the best option.
Ordered some 1/16” nylon tubing from McMaster Carr. Almost as stiff as weed whacker line.. push it down until it hit something and then connect Mitey Vac and suck up the trash. Run to bottom. Then flush with soapy water, lemon juice, Draino or water ever.
Using pressure works if not plugged badly. Blowing the lines apart is possible. That is a disaster. A friend purchased a car with a parted drain line.he suspects that air was used to try to clear and then they sold the car. He only could drive it if no rain was in the forecast. The connection was not accessible to allow reconnecting.

 

Also works with a long bike braking wire.