2001 Cadillac Catera Sloshing Sound - Wet floor on driver's

JCHAD

MEMBER
2001 CADILLAC CATERA

Noises problem
2001 Cadillac Catera Two Wheel Drive Automatic 108000 miles

I purchased a 2001 Cadillac Catera with 100,000 miles. It is in immaculate shape.
About two weeks ago I began hearing a sloshing sound when slowing down or speeding up quickly. The sloshing sound seems to be coming from under the car. Between the drivers seat and the frame of the car. The liquid sounds like it moves from front to back. In fact, I discovered today that the carpet under the foot pedals was soaken wet. In addition, the carpet in the "foot well" of the the rear, driver's side seat was soaken as well. The liquid seems like clean, clear water. No odor, no hint of color. There is no gas, antifreeze or oil in it.

We have gotten a lot of rain lately. But it is hard to believe that enough rainwater could have accumulated to cause this.

What type of chamber runs under the driver's seat and the one behind it? Could it be something with the AC?

Thanks

1 Reply

FACTORYJACK

MECHANIC
4,159 POSTS

More than likely, the AC condensate drains are restricted causing water to leak in the passenger compartment. The other possibility is a fresh water leak(as opposed to roadwash) coming through several possible areas. It could be the windshield has a poor seal, leaking in through the cowl or cabin filter housing, a faulty body seam, or leaking past a seal. It could have had water in it for some time. The carpet, which has substantial padding under it, does a good job of keeping the water unnoticeable. If you run the vehicle with the A/C on, you should see water dripping from both sides of the engine area, about parallel to the a-pillar(front of front doors). If not, I would suspect that it is not draining and overrunning into the cockpit. If it is draining, you can do a visual inspection for something obvious, and/or partially disassemble(or completely if you feel capable) the interior and water test with a hose looking for entry. It is most likely that you have a leak in the forward area, and it has made it rearward through inertia, or possibly vice versa. There is more possibility of leaking in the forward portion of the vehicle.