Freelander 1 Tailgate Rust/ Corrosion

Afternoon all, having a bit of trouble with the tailgate on my 2004 Freelander.
Have noticed some corrosion right behind the spare wheel carrier and it is coming out from right underneath the window rubber (see pictures). Has been like this since the start of the year but I have got no idea as to what is causing it.

Would anyone have any advice on how to best fix this before it gets worse?

I have a smaller patch about 3 inches to the left.
Thinking about sanding it back, treating it and hiding it with something,
Mines java black so will be a bitch to paint

On my 3rd hippo and my first spot of rust

YamYam93 said:

Afternoon all, having a bit of trouble with the tailgate on my 2004 Freelander.
Have noticed some corrosion right behind the spare wheel carrier and it is coming out from right underneath the window rubber (see pictures). Has been like this since the start of the year but I have got no idea as to what is causing it.

Would anyone have any advice on how to best fix this before it gets worse?

Click to expand...

Taking the rubber off is pretty easy, just a couple of screws at either end. rub it down, treat it and respray.
Have you checked under the handle. That is the usual place for rust.

Thanks for the replies guys.
Rubber came off earlier today and I've had a look at it.
Thankfully its only on the outer panel but it has penetrated quite a fair bit so looks likes a job for rusteater and some filler to go with it.
Haven't a chance to take off the handle for a peek yet so that'll come off when I sort out the current rust patch.

Yes, that looks like just surface rust, so all is good if you can treat and paint it now.

I've not a nasty hole behind the rear tail gate handle - a tail gate handle that fell off recently, and I've been meaning to fix! For now, I've developed a technique wereby I open the door by pressing the handle's release button and opening by pulling on the edge of a door by catching it with my finger as it is pushed open by the rubber seal! Way too hot in the city this weekend to even think about fixing this on the drive...