How to: Fix weatherstripping/gaskets falling off doors

[jeeden]

Just came up in another thread and I had made the write up so I thought I would make it its own thread for anyone in the future...

Mod, you might want to pin it to sticky in the forums (sticky... See what I did there?) ?


Some of the weather stripping on the rear lift gate of our March 2023 R1S started to loosen and let go about a month ago. That happens on most cars after many years but obviously this is too early for our cars. I suspect they must have had a problem with the volume or misture at the time with the adhesive being applied.

Since the service center times are so long and it is an easy fix I didn't myself.

This is the product you want:

3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive, 08008, 5 fl oz, 1 Per Pack https://a.co/d/8Fo96cq

You can also get it at AutoZone here: https://www.autozone.com/sealants-g...ck-super-weatherstrip-adhesive-2oz/249380_0_0


... and probably some other auto parts stores.

Make sure to follow the directions, specifically:

• Don't apply it when it is really cold
• Put a small bead (about 1/8 inch diameter bead) along the edge of the vehicle and let it sit for a few minutes until it starts to get tacky. Watch it, the temp and airflow will impact how quick it gets tacky. I just did a piece last week when the car was hot and it was about 86 out and it got tacky in under 2 min. It will be similar to honey when ready
• Smooth the weather stripping onto the bead, but don't stretch it or wrinkle it in any way, keep checking until it is holding and then leave it alone.

Other notes:

• A little goes a LONG way so don't put globs of it on. Anything it touches is going to be stained so watch your clothes, the headliner, etc. you might want to wear latex gloves and have a paper towel to catch drips. You also don't want it squeezing out when you close the gate or door.
• If you aren't good at this stuff, you can use blue painters tape and tape out either side of a spot you want it and then pull the tape off before it gets tacky for a perfect bead, but it isn't needed and is probably a chance of having the tape smear it on something.
• No need to scrape the old adhesive off.
• You can use blue painters tape to hold the weatherstripping in place while drying, but it should be solid enough to close a door or gate once and let dry

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[Rivdog]

Thanks for the write up and the painters tape suggestion! I had a door repair following a collision and the gasket came off in weeks. The repair facility is the only one in Oregon and it was a truly miserable experience so I didn’t wanna ask them to fix it. I’ve been dreading calling them so hopefully I won’t have to now.