Driver Upper Window Seal
 

I know this has been discussed previously, but there's so many different answers, and opinions on this.

My FRS upper driver window seal is "rolling" when the window rolls up. Besides replacing the part, I've done everything else. Cleaning, greasing, lubing...still have the same issue. A lot of wind noise on the highway too.

Now, my question: Is the only part needing to be replaced the upper seal (part number SU003-01634) or is there more involved? Like window adjustment/realignment, initializing, and so on...

Also, did the BRZ have the same issue? If so, what was the fix? Same seal? Does anyone have the part number for that seal?

Thank you all in advance!

I'm pretty positive that replacing the seal will only make the problem come back. The root of the problem is that the window is not aligned properly and causing the seal to roll up.

I've read that as well. Which makes perfect sense. But those same people who had that done ALSO had the belt molding issue. The TSB for that issue calls for the window to be realigned or initialized...then other people have said that there dealer only replaced the upper window/door seal.

Have you had this problem before?

Yep my driver's side seal rolls up - especially when it rains or when there is a lot of condensation. I have learned to live with it and am not planning to get it fixed unless water starts leaking in which it hasn't.

Is there a photo of what this looks like? Mine is slightly off, too.

It looks like this:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99082

As bolded. If the dealer is lazy, cuts corners or is in any other way incompetent and only replaces the rubber without changing the guides and realigning the window (as the TSB specifically calls for) the problem will just come back. Properly done the TSB will completely resolve the issue.
There are temporary ways to resolve it (such as lubing the seal) if you catch it soon enough but it does not get rid of the root cause and has to be redone periodically.

My BRZ has the same issue. Anyone has link to TSB? It would be interesting read, if it has any info about window realignment.

The BRZ one isn't listed but there must be one.
Here is the FRS one:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/attac...1&d=1409711423


You will see that stabilisers have to be changed. This is the step I think some dealers skip.
NOTE: This does not mention the rubber seal but the change in stabilisers seems to fix the issue.

@Bamsterman if your car is under warranty, have them replace it. I had mine dealer replace it and new part looks to be thicker and smoother.

I definitely would, if it was still under warranty. :sigh: Actually, if it was just the seal that needed to be replaced, I would just do that myself. But with the window needing to be aligned, I'd rather just have the dealer handle it all.

Do you happen to have the part number for the one that was replaced?

Yea, found my old post. On paper from dealer's paper, it shows SU003-01634. However if you take a look at the revised TSB, that one shows SU003-05208.

Either way, I believe the dealer should use the newest part.

If you want to temporarily fix the issue, I have a solution.. I tried and it worked. Use the matte-type tape that has very smooth finish. Clean the affected weather strip and apply the tape where it contacts window glass. As long as it sticks to the rubber, you're good to go. It's going to look a bit funny when you open door/roll down window, but at least the rubber isn't going to roll when window is closed. Try it and let me know.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Magic-Tape-Inches-104/dp/B00005C3YY/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1452277703&sr=1-4&keywords=3m+magic+tape"]Amazon.com : Scotch Magic Tape, 1/2 x 450 Inches (104) : Clear Tapes : Office Products[/ame]

SU003-01634 This number shows as the upper seal that keeps catching. But, this number SU003-05208 shows up as the belt molding thats actually on the door. Maybe its that both parts are replaced...Either way, I'll be taking it to the dealer. And thanks for the tip with the tape! Will definitely give that a shot for temp fix.

Here's why the seal rolls up.

1. early 13 MYs window index was 2 cm so, with each door open/close the window rubs through the top of the seal. Both door switches must be replaced with updated ones set to index only 1 cm.

2. Window is too tight. Requires alignment to ease it out a little. Not trivial. I've spent a great deal of time getting familiar with how the mechanism 'likes' to be aligned.

same thing happened on my 2013, they changed the seal under warranty. this was 1-1/2 years ago and its been working fine ever since.

Well I hope I don't have to replace the switches...I'm sure thats not cheap out of warranty.

Any chance I could get you to PM the alignment details? Like any tips or tricks...anything like that. If its not too difficult, I might just do it myself.

I started a DIY last year but cut my losses after realizing there's just no way to define a step-by-step process. It's all about getting a feel for what each of the adjustment points do and then tweaking all of them to get it just right.

Each adjustment affects all the other points so it becomes quite an adventure homing in on the sweet spot.

You really need the switches. No way around it. @stockysnail?

Another member gave me a copy of the official process. It might help a little but it still comes down to patience and feel.

Mine was fixed. It's fkn back!~ Grrrr....

I just threw in the switches and called it done. Working much better now. I'm guessing a slight alignment would be ideal but that's too much work and it's good enough I think. To do the alignment look at Subaru Service Bulletin 07-79-13R. You have to remove the window and get a special window tool to do it. You'll also need to replace the weather strip if it has been damaged, but that's the easiest part of all of it. I say throw in the new switches first, then see if you need the rest.

I foresee this being an expensive fix...

Is there a bulletin for the switches? Or is it any new switch from the dealer will be the new "fixed" switch?

**EDIT**

Never mind, I found it.

No need to remove the window. The tool would be good to have if doing an installation from scratch and working against a clock. The final tweaks to which I am referring are within the tolerance specified in the published procedure, require patience, and a keen eye.

Mine was rolling up and causing a gap at the top rear corner of the window, and the wind whistled thru it at highway speeds. Here's my redneck fix...



I cut a 6" piece of coax I had lying around and slipped it into the channel in the top of the seal right where it rolled over. No more rolling, and it's invisible and free.



http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44...psk2bc0e5j.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44...pse8axf0i3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44...psvndkby8v.jpg

Same issue i am having right now when i close my door and windows roll up it pushes the rubber back. Is there a TSB for that issue? If not time to haggard my rubber like yours lol. Sucks we have to resort to this smh shitty ass car lol

I had the same issue and brought it to the dealer. They replaced the strip for free and everything is OK now

Did they replace the top strip located on the car frame on the strip on the door?

They replaced the strip located on the frame of the car

The strip that you are pulling down on in your first picture

Thanks for the response. Has it given you any issue's after they replaced it? Taking my car to dealer this weekend hopefully they don't give me a hard time.

No issues ever since. Looks perfect now

Got a part number for the door switches? And is it easy to swap out?

Everything including part numbers and how to swap instructions are here:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/attac...1&d=1389643313

I didn't write them down after I did the swap. See the guy's post above or go to the dealer and ask for the driver/passenger window switch. They are a p.i.t.a. to remove from the pastic housing as they weren't meant to be removed, but putting the new one's in is quick and painless. Eventually you'll pay a blood sacrifice to your car, so perhaps removing the window switch will be your time. ;) May be easier with 2 people as one could pry the plastic away while the other pulls it out. You'll see what I mean once you remove the door panel and the plastic bit where the switches sit.

I've been a member for awhile. I wish I had enough posts to "like" this post as I am having the exact same problem with my 2013 FR-S which is out of warranty. Thank you for this idea! I'm also going to try using some 3M adhesive to tuck the inside edge of the weatherstripping back into the door frame where it was pulled out by the rolling action. Hopefully that will solve the issue permanently. Thanks again!

Did anyone ever go and have the dealer do this and how much did it cost?

from my understanding, the glasslifters does not need to be replaced, replacing the old window switches with new ones and changing out the molding will remedy this issue?