Weather Stripping Issues

[DarderSauce]

Problem: I have noticed that I am getting a LOT of wind noise while driving 55+ mph in my car lately. I know the culprit is the weather stripping because when I pull on the door handle the noise stops almost entirely. The weather lately hasn't been too kind and I think the high temp for the week was about 7* above zero so there is almost no moisture in the air.

Possible Solution:I am thinking if I use Sil Glyde or 303 Products Aerospace Protectant it might give me a better seal and help expand the weather stripping because of the added moisture but I really don't know. Is the weather stripping on the MK2 junk or should I try one of the products I listed above?

If there is no hope: Lets say the weather stripping on the MK2's is junk and nothing will stop the wind from howling, are there any options for a better aftermarket weather stripping for our cars?

Sorry in advance if this is a REpost, I remember seeing something about this in a different thread but I couldn't seem to find it using the search tool.

Thanks for all the help folks!

[Sponsor]

[A7xschecter6661]

There's universal stuff that is a pain. I doubt you could get any kits outside of the dealership.

I'd just crank the music and drive. See if it stops when it gets warmer. Things shrink in the cold and it might not be sealing perfect. It's been -17 here with the windchill for a few days

[DarderSauce]

Found a thread talking about stuffing Foam Backer Rod inside the existing weather stripping

http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/...b-quite-54805/

I am going to take a look at the "hole" to see what (if any) size backer rod will fit.


EDIT: Checked the gap in the weather stripping and it is pretty large so I think I am going to go get some 1/4", feed it through, and see if the door still closes. I will let you know how well it works.

[mac.mogul]

Originally Posted by DarderSauce

Found a thread talking about stuffing Foam Backer Rod inside the existing weather stripping

http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/...b-quite-54805/

I am going to take a look at the "hole" to see what (if any) size backer rod will fit.


EDIT: Checked the gap in the weather stripping and it is pretty large so I think I am going to go get some 1/4", feed it through, and see if the door still closes. I will let you know how well it works.

PLEASE let us know how this goes. I would love a better seal.

[DarderSauce]

Sorry I haven't had a chance to do this yet but I am going to get after it once the local harware store gets more backer rod in.

Just got back from a snowboard trip and haven't had time to do anything.

Updates to follow.

[nowhere67]

Has there been any chance you have been able to try this yet?

[soundFocus]

Something else... make sure your door is lining up and mounting correctly. For some odd the front doors on my Focus, in particular the driver's side, seemed to be sitting too far out (away from the body) and up. This could lead to abnormal noise, though it didn't in my case No idea what caused it, but my dealer fixed it free of charge under warranty.

[mac.mogul]

Its funny; I was just looking at my weather stripping yesterday as I was detailing the car and I was thinking about this thread and thought "That's probably not the greatest idea" LOL

[DarderSauce]

ya it didn't work too great and I dont think we can adjust the striker on our cars. I searched the forum and someone asked the question of how to adjust them with no replies and i can't seem to figure it out without drilling new holes in the doors. Anyone have any ideas?

[DarderSauce]

Alright well since it doesn't look like the striker plate can be adjusted on our cars it's back to the drawing board as far as stuffing $hit into the weather stripping. The backer rod wasn't strong enough to be fished through the small hole but I was checking into other solutions online and I saw someone use black rubber latex tubing.

They shot silicone lube in each hole on the weather stripping and used electrician's fish tape to feed it through the length of the weather stripping.

Here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XR-J7VTN80

They used 1/4" tubing but when I was feeding the backer rod into the weather stripping it seemed like it was too small and I thought 1/2" diameter would work better.

I found this stuff on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Rubber-L...urgical+tubing

It has a 1/2" outer Diameter and 1/8" wall (thickest wall I could find on rubber tubing)

The only draw back to using the rubber tubing is the cost. I was fine with a few bucks for 100' of backer rod but $60 for 50' of something that I don't even know is going to work doesn't sound too appealing. If I knew it was going to work I would do it in a second but again I am apprehensive. I am going to mull it over and consider some other options so I will let you guys know what I decide to do and if it is successful.