Doors seals that...."fall off" again, again & again

[Jase]

I've got dodged up door seals (both front doors). They've been replaced twice (so factory fit, replaced, then replaced again) and now need further attention (all in an 8 month period). Here they are currently:

Drivers Door


Passenger Door


From new (May 2008 ) they started to come away from the doors after two months. Replaced at dealership A. Further 3 months they come away from doors again. Replaced at dealership B. Within a week they are coming off the doors again.

Is there any particular reason the adhesive would fail time & time again?

I'm sick of absolutely slaming the doors to get them to close properly (because the seals foul on the door opening). I now have a rattle in the drivers door upon closing because I have to use so much force.

Does this situation warrent discussing the matter with Serv Mgr from Dealership B. I've tried to be put through to him before but they said no, you can only speak to an advisor, so I'd have to write a letter or email. I'm keen to go down that pathway to make sure they know something is definitely up and to try circumnavigate the need to physically see the problem before parts can be ordered (200km trip for them to say, "yep, doors seals need replacing", 200km trip home...several weeks later...400km round trip to get'em fixed).

I'm after advice so I don't do something I shouldn't. Been in 6 times for warranty work in 8 months (genuine significant issues, nothing critical but). I'm gutted I've got a car with a few more problems than most & don't want to be a right royal when I should be more reasonable or forgiving.

[bazzle]

Im guessing there is no adhesive i use on those door seals.
Why dont you try cleaning the mating surface with metho or alchohol and regluing your self?
I would wipe a smear of bostick yellow contact adhesive on the door seam and push on seal whilst still wet.

Bazzle

[brodzta_GTI]

there was an issue for a while when the glue used on the door seals was inadequate and the seals would come off again.. it may be possible that the fitting dealership may of not removed all the old adhesive when they replaced the seals. the dealership should have a special " vw door seal glue" to reglue that one section ( instead of replacing the whole seal again) because VW have a procedure for this problem.. glue first and if it comes off again replace... im suprised they wont let you talk to the Service Manager... maybe go one higher and talk to the dealer principal?? that way if its some internal breakdown in communication they'll sort it out themselves

[kryten2001]

yeah I had/have the same problem on my car - except it's the rear seals. It's marked up the kickpanels pretty bad.

[gregozedobe]

Sounds like it could be either poor adhesive and/or something on the paint preventing the adhesive from adhering - possibly a wax, sealant, silicone or lubricant ? Possibly they are stretching the seal too much, in the 2nd photo it seems to be coming off a concave section.

Just explain to the person on the phone about all the problems you have had in the past and insist on speaking to the service manager. If they still refuse then ask for their name again and then ask to be put through to the dealer principal - that should get their attention.

Above all remain polite (but persistent), this will always get better results in the long run than losing your temper. It is OK to hint at how exasperated you are getting, but don't lose it.

[Jase]

I'll make contact today or tomorrow with service manager and let you know how I go.