New Window Run Channel Liner Doesn't Seem Tight

boostfrk · Jul 16, 2012

I'm replacing the window run channel liner on both of my doors on my '90 hatch. I've got the driver's side one in, but it doesn't seem very sung, mostly at a few places.

1. Middle top of the door; where the frame curves from being parallel with the ground to starting to go towards the mirror.
2. Along the portion of the frame that heads towards the mirror
3. Along the portion that is inside the door behind the window motor

I can push it in and as soon as I let go it just pushes itself back out again. Not all the way, but enough that it doesnt seem securely intact.

I've taken a few pictures to try and give a pictorial representation. The last three pictures are probably the best.

How tight is this run channel supposed to wedge up in that metal channel/frame? Is it possible that the metal channel/frame is bent outward, and thus not holding the weatherstripping in as tight anymore? Or am I just expecting too much on a car engineered in the 80's and this is what it is?

91TwighlightGT · Jul 16, 2012

Mine were really tight when I had to take them out. I think it is more likely the metal just needs to be closed back up a little, maybe got bent out when you pulled the old stuff.

boostfrk · Jul 16, 2012

91TwighlightGT said:
Mine were really tight when I had to take them out. I think it is more likely the metal just needs to be closed back up a little, maybe got bent out when you pulled the old stuff.

The old ones were really tight to take out...I figured it was because they were dry rotted and 20+ years old. I hate to pull it all back out again and try to close up the metal, especially on the door frame itself, but I may just do it and see if it helps.

tca7291 · Jul 17, 2012

I had this same problem with an old truck I did. I would not try to close up the channel in the door frame, but you could do the channel inside the door, but would still not recommend it (could add extra strain on your power window motor). I noticed with a little time, a little sun, and working the windows quite a bit, the new channel weatherstrip seated itself perfectly. If it is trying to pull itself out of the metal channel when you put the window down, I would recommend some weatherstrip adhesive from any auto parts store.

boostfrk · Jul 17, 2012

tca7291 said:
I noticed with a little time, a little sun, and working the windows quite a bit, the new channel weatherstrip seated itself perfectly.

I was thinking about it last night and wondering this myself. The run channel weatherstrip comes as a completely flat piece, then you have to fold it in half to stick it in the channel. Naturally, since it's been flat, it wants to push itself out of the channel so it be go flat again.

It will be awhile before I put the door panels back on anyways. Maybe I'll leave it like this for awhile, let it sit in the sun and heat, work the windows, and see what happens. At the same time I may see if I can close up the channels any, but it's pretty heavy gauge sheet metal. I'm not sure I'd have much luck with that.

I've also contacted LMR to see if they have any input.[/quote]

LX302 · Jul 17, 2012

I just did mine over the spring. The top pic at the bend, you might need to jam it up into the groove a little more and give it some more slack.. Use a wooden paint stirrer to help push it up into the channel without damaging the rubber. Not sure about the bottom in the door frame, did you remove the bolts to help push it in, maybe you need to clamp down on the metal some to hold it like 91T suggested. I bought my run channel at CJPony, "Made in China" and it was fine.

Gearbanger 101 · Jul 17, 2012

Man, I'm having the opposite issue. In installed new channel rubbers this spring and now, even after a couple of months they're still tight. I've got to fiddle back and forth with the window switch to get them to seal up at the top. Thinking of spraying them down with silicone lubricant, but I'm afraid that'll make more of a mess, than anything?

boostfrk · Jul 17, 2012

Gearbanger 101 said:
Man, I'm having the opposite issue. In installed new channel rubbers this spring and now, even after a couple of months they're still tight. I've got to fiddle back and forth with the window switch to get them to seal up at the top. Thinking of spraying them down with silicone lubricant, but I'm afraid that'll make more of a mess, than anything?

I've heard of people using white lithium grease in the channel to lubricate the window and help is slide up and down. I sprayed a bit inside of mine before I installed them (when the weatherstripping was still flat) and the window purrs like a kitten now when it goes up and down. Before it used to squeak and squeal.

LX302 - I tried loosening the bolts that hold the metal channel inside the door and it's already as far over (as close to the window) as possible. I may see if I can bend it closed any more, but it's going to be hard to get anything inside the door to help me bend it. I'm not sure how much I can accomplish on brute strength alone.

New Window Run Channel Liner Doesn't Seem Tight

boostfrk

91TwighlightGT

boostfrk

tca7291

I can see your wieners.

boostfrk

LX302

Stanger

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash

boostfrk

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