Roof Rail Seal

Roof rail seals or roof rail weatherstrips support the side windows and they also keep the rain out of your car. Since these seals are exposed to UV ray and other environmental hazards, they dry out and crack up easily. Small leaks may occur which will let moisture enter your vehicle. Keep moisture out of your vehicle's interior by installing new roof rail seals. These new seals will reduce road noise and it adds a touch of class to your ride.

We have prepared the tools, tips, and steps that you need to remove and replace a roof rail seal.

• Let the roof rail seal's adhesive cure for at least 24 hours before washing your vehicle.
• Make sure that your work area is free from dust, oils, and dirt that may contaminate the roof rail seal's adhesive-this will reduce its bond.
• Exercise caution when handling sharp objects and chemicals to avoid any accidents. Have a first aid kit ready in case of an emergency.

Step 1: Locate any hidden screws or anchor pins on the roof's rail before you start removing the worn-out seals.

Step 2: Unfasten the screws with a screwdriver, and extract the anchor pins from the roof rail seal's molded end.

Step 3: Start at the front, and pull the rubber seal away from the roof channel. Use a hair dryer to soften the seals and, if you're experiencing difficulty, use the flat-head screwdriver to pry the seal from its adhesive.

Step 4: Once the old seal is removed, use a masking tape to wrap the channel's edges to prepare it for cleaning.

Step 5: Clean the roof channel with a mixture of car shampoo and water. Use an old toothbrush to scrape off the old adhesive. Use a small wire brush screwdriver to gently scrape off any stubborn adhesive from the roof's channel.

Step 6: Remove the masking tape from the channel's edges, and wipe the channel with an old rag until it's dry. Make sure that the roof channel is clean before installing the new roof rail seal.

Step 7: Fasten the screws or anchor pins onto the roof rail seal's molded end. Put some roof rail adhesive into the channel. Insert the roof rail seal into the channel, and use a rubber squeegee to work the seal into the channel until you reach the roof channel's end.

Step 8: Make sure that the roof rail seal is tight and secured to the roof's channel before proceeding to the next side.

Replacing the worn out rail roof seals will take about 30 minutes for an expert DIYer and 45 minutes for a beginner. It's one of the easiest projects to work on and it will make your car leak-free. Have fun!