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NEW side window seals leaking?

Posted: 10 Jul 2012, 10:39
by Bilson
I recently found water getting in to the van somehow, so I replaced the side window seals (factory) incase the 30 year old ones were to blame.

I've now found water is still getting in so I've ordered some butyl window adhesive stuff, but I'm wondering whether I should need to use a sealant on new window seals, or if there's something I could have done wrong in installing them?

Any advice would be appreciated, cheers.

Re: NEW side window seals leaking?

Posted: 10 Jul 2012, 11:11
by annavr6@vwheritage
mine wernt sealed in my van but its converted panel van

Ive now sealed mine even the one that wasnt leaking just to make double sure. You cant see the sealent ive put in

Re: NEW side window seals leaking?

Posted: 10 Jul 2012, 11:26
by Mickyfin
Where did you get this, factory window seal from? We maybe able to tell the cause from the supplier.

Re: NEW side window seals leaking?

Posted: 10 Jul 2012, 12:33
by Bilson
I got them from Gunzl (vwbusshop.de).

I did ask whether they were genuine when I double checked I was ordering the correct seals. I only actually got confirmation that they were the right seals, but I doubted they'd sell carp reproductions so I just got them. I've always found their stuff to be good, so I'd be surprised if they sold poor quality seals.

Re: NEW side window seals leaking?

Posted: 17 Jul 2012, 07:55
by Wookster
Reckon the only way you are going to solve the leak is to remove the window and carefully measure everything.
Could be that the aperture is too big or the channel in the seal is too narrow for the glass forcing it open.
Also corrosion etc could affect the channel that holds the metal, if it's too thin it won't make a good seal.

Re: NEW side window seals leaking?

Posted: 17 Jul 2012, 16:05
by Bilson
The frames should be fine apart from a kink in the lip that must have happened when the windows were removed first time round. When I had the windows out to fit the new seals I didn't have time to try and do anything about it (plus I don't think they can be responsible). Apart from that the frames should be fine, unless a layer of paint could affect how well the seals fit.

When (or if) the weather wakes up I might take them out, sort out the kinks + put them back in and see if that does anything.

I think the problem can only be that I've either done something wrong fitting them (don't know what though?) or they're duff seals, but like I said before I'd be surprised if they were.

I really don't want to have to seal them up with butyl windscreen sealant but it seems like the only option apart from shelling out again for new seals from another source.