FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

A6 - Side Seal Rear End Fit Adjustment

A6 - SIDE SEAL REAR END FIT ADJUSTMENT

1. With the roof locked in place, look for any gap between the end of the side seal and the "B" pillar seal. The "B" pillar seal should fit smoothly against the end of the side seal without puckering or tucking under it.

^ If you see a gap between the two seals, raise the "B" pillar seal in its retainer to close the gap at the top of the pillar. Open the door, start at the bottom, and every few inches, pull the seal up a little. Repeat this until the top of the seal fits properly against the end of the side seal. DO NOT attempt to correct the fit by pulling only on the upper part of the "B" pillar seal.




^ Measure the distance between the radius near the end of the "B" pillar seal and the corresponding radius in the side of the body. If it's more than 3 mm, you pulled the seal up too far; readjust it.




2. The rear end of the roof side seal should make full contact with the "B" pillar seal. If you see a gap where the outside edge of the side seal meets the "B" pillar seal, unlock both sides of the roof, lift its rear edge, and put a folded shop towel under it. Then adjust the end of the side seal by grasping its metal core with your fingers and applying enough pressure to bend it outward and close the gap.

3. Lube the mating surfaces of the seals with Silicone (or Lithium Dielectric) grease.

4. Leak test the repaired area.