P38A Centre Courtesy light cluster waterfall :(

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DanClarke

DanClarke

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Location
Benfleet, Essex
Went on a short journey today and suddenly I notice a dripping of water from the light cluster at the top of the windscreen as I drove along. It seemed not to want to stop. Drip, Drip, Drip.
When I got where I needed to go I pulled the cluster out and a lot more water dripped from the now "upturned-dish" of the fitting. I opened the sunroof to find that the seal that runs around the edge of the sunroof and mates with recess in the roof pressing is basically split along much of its length.

Not sure how available/replaceable they are?
If anyone could give me some pointers I would be very grateful.

Cheers, Dan.
 
UPDATE:
I found it on Rimmer Bros, for c. £85 inc. Vat. :eek:
The picture makes it look like a standard bit of edging trim that you can probably get anywhere. Does anyone know the dimensions?
Thanks.
upload_2021-5-13_15-39-17.png
 
DanClarke said:
UPDATE:
I found it on Rimmer Bros, for c. £85 inc. Vat. :eek:
The picture makes it look like a standard bit of edging trim that you can probably get anywhere. Does anyone know the dimensions?
Thanks.
View attachment 238124
Click to expand...
That doesn't stop the water coming it, it's main purpose is wind noise reduction..

Your sunroof drains take the water away, best check those first..

Your next port of call is the metal frame under that draft seal, it is a terrible design and rusts which causes the glass to separate from the bonding and water wicks under the seal..

easy to spot if its your issue.

EfcDYoel.jpg
 
Henry_b said:
That doesn't stop the water coming it, it's main purpose is wind noise reduction..

Your sunroof drains take the water away, best check those first..

Your next port of call is the metal frame under that draft seal, it is a terrible design and rusts which causes the glass to separate from the bonding and water wicks under the seal..

easy to spot if its your issue.

EfcDYoel.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks @Henry_b , the problem is that I have no "under-cover" storage for the vehicle so dismantling to repair/investigate is fraught with dangers in that without a replacement you are at the mercy of the elements.
I will have to buy the real part it sounds like. What is there is all split and peels away under your fingers. :(
 
DanClarke said:
Thanks @Henry_b , the problem is that I have no "under-cover" storage for the vehicle so dismantling to repair/investigate is fraught with dangers in that without a replacement you are at the mercy of the elements.
I will have to buy the real part it sounds like. What is there is all split and peels away under your fingers. :(
Click to expand...
Yep if the draft seal is torn best replace it, but it is worth checking the drainage tubes atleast, very easy to to with with a jug of water ;)
 
Island-4x4 has the same seal for £64 plus VAT. I replace mine a few years ago. Best done on sunny day by removing the glass panel & do seal on the bench.

My son got some adhesive film from an AA mate to use for temporary sunroof seal. It's been on the car since November and hasn't leaked a drop. It sticks to the paint safely & peels off like cling film when require with no damage. Must check what brand it is !!
 
Last edited:
pwood999 said:
Island-4x4 has the same seal for £64 plus VAT. I replace mine a few years ago. Best done on sunny day by removing the glass panel & do seal on the bench.

My son got some adhesive film from an AA mate to use for temporary sunroof seal. It's been on the car since November and hasn't leaked a drop. It sticks to the paint safely & peels off like cling film when require with no damage. Must check what brand it is !!
Click to expand...
Thanks for this. I found the same price on Island 4 x 4 this morning and ordered one.
I am not looking forward to the job, but it has to be done I guess. :)
 
My new seal was slightly long. Don't cut to length until you have 98% fitted. Then take a break and allow the rubber to relax. it seems to stretch slightly as you fit, and does shrink back a little. !! Then trim the ends to a nice close joint. I didn't bother but some people put a blob of RTV sealant between the ends.
 
pwood999 said:
My new seal was slightly long. Don't cut to length until you have 98% fitted. Then take a break and allow the rubber to relax. it seems to stretch slightly as you fit, and does shrink back a little. !! Then trim the ends to a nice close joint. I didn't bother but some people put a blob of RTV sealant between the ends.
Click to expand...
Is it just s pressure/push fit? I would have expected some CT1 or similar adhesive/sealant to be required. Thanks for the tip on the "stretching/relaxing". :)
 
Yes it's a tight push fit. I think there's advice somewhere in here or RR.net about using RTV sealer as well. I took the time to clean the glass thoroughly before fitting, and then put the sealer into the slot in the new seal. Also clean all the way round the roof paint where the old seal will have left some residue.

After fitting, the panel will be a tight fit in the roof. First few times you need to push with hand while using the button. Open & close regularly on warm days, and the rubber will settle in.
 
DanClarke said:
Went on a short journey today and suddenly I notice a dripping of water from the light cluster at the top of the windscreen as I drove along. It seemed not to want to stop. Drip, Drip, Drip.

I've had the same on my 2.5td but I don't have the sunroof on mine would be nice to know what causes it to leak
When I got where I needed to go I pulled the cluster out and a lot more water dripped from the now "upturned-dish" of the fitting. I opened the sunroof to find that the seal that runs around the edge of the sunroof and mates with recess in the roof pressing is basically split along much of its length.

Not sure how available/replaceable they are?
If anyone could give me some pointers I would be very grateful.

Cheers, Dan.
Click to expand...
 
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