A faulty weather seal on a car door can lead to water, air, and noise entering the cabin when driving. Fixing a damaged or worn weather seal is important to keep the interior comfortable and prevent moisture damage. Here are some quick tips on how to fix a weather seal on a car door.
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What is a weather seal?
Weather seals, also known as weatherstripping, are rubber or vinyl barriers installed around a vehicle’s doors, windows, trunk, hood, and roof. Their job is to seal gaps and prevent rain, snow, dust, and noise from entering the cabin.
Common types of weather seals on cars include:
- Door seals – Installed around door openings to seal the gap between the door and body.
- Window seals – Seal the perimeter of door windows.
- Hood seals – Seal the gap between the hood and body.
- Trunk seals – Seal the perimeter of the trunk opening.
- Roof molding seals – Seal the joint between the roof and body.
Over time, these seals can become brittle, dried out, cracked, or detached from the door frame, allowing moisture and noise to intrude into the car.
Inspect the damaged weather seal
Start by thoroughly examining the faulty weather seal to identify the exact location and extent of the damage. Look for:
- Cracks or tears in the weatherstrip.
- Sections where the seal has become detached from the door frame.
- Places where the seal has become hard, dried out, or flattened.
- Spots where the seal is missing entirely.
Pay particular attention to the corners and joints where two sections of weatherstripping meet. These areas often suffer wear first.
If the damage is limited to a small section, you likely just need to replace that portion of weatherstripping. If the seal is degraded around the entire door, you’ll need to replace it completely.
Remove the damaged weather seal
To replace the weather seal, you’ll first need to remove the damaged stripping from the door frame. Start by pulling firmly to detach the existing seal from the frame, using pliers if necessary to grip and pull the rubber. Try to remove it in one piece without tearing it if possible.
Use a putty knife or screwdriver to gently pry and scrape off any remaining adhesive. Take care not to scratch the door frame paint. Any adhesive left on the frame can impact how well the new seal adheres.
Thoroughly clean the door frame with rubbing alcohol once you’ve removed the weatherstripping to eliminate dirt, oil, and debris that could impede proper sealing.
Measure and cut replacement weatherstripping
Measure the length of the door frame where the new weather seal will be installed. Cut a piece of fresh weatherstripping to that length using sharp scissors or a utility knife. The new stripping should fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the door opening.
For best results, use factory-approved OEM weatherstripping designed specifically for your make and model of vehicle. This will ensure an exact fit and proper sealing. OEM seals can be purchased from auto parts stores or dealerships.
If OEM weatherstripping is not available, you can use bulk automotive seal material cut to the measured length. Choose a style of seal that matches what was originally installed.
Install the new weather seal
Once custom cut to size, installing automotive weatherstripping is straightforward:
- Clean the door frame one more time to remove any remaining debris. Ensure the frame is dry.
- Peel backing paper off the adhesive side of the weatherstripping.
- Starting at one end of the door, press the weatherstripping firmly onto the door frame. Work your way around the entire door, affixing it in place.
- Use a rubber roller tool to apply extra pressure, ensuring maximum contact between the seal adhesive and door frame for a tight bond.
- Make sure the seal is aligned properly and fully attached around the entire door opening perimeter.
- Close the door and check for gaps where air or moisture could still intrude. Realign or trim the weatherstrip as needed.
Allow several hours for the adhesive to fully cure before driving the vehicle. The weather seal should create an impermeable barrier, keeping moisture, wind noise, and debris out of the cabin. Most weatherstripping will last upwards of 5-10 years once properly installed.
Tips for DIY weather seal replacement
Here are some handy tips to do the job right when fixing a weather seal yourself:
- Work slowly and carefully when prying off the old seal to avoid damaging the door frame.
- Clean the frame thoroughly to remove dirt, adhesive residue, and oil for best seal adhesion.
- Use a sharp utility knife and steady hand when cutting replacement weatherstripping.
- Apply firm pressure with a roller when affixing the new seal for maximum bonding.
- Read the seal manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and cure time.
- Watch online tutorial videos to see the repair process in action.
When to seek professional help
While a skilled DIYer can replace most weather seals, it’s best to have a professional mechanic perform the repair if:
- The door frame is rusted, bent, or damaged. The frame may need repair to allow proper weatherstrip attachment.
- You need to replace extensive lengths of weatherstripping around multiple doors and openings.
- OEM factory seals are required for your particular vehicle make and model.
- You don’t have the time or patience for this fiddly repair process.
Auto body shops and dealership service centers have the expertise to quickly diagnose and fix any weather seal issues while ensuring a leak-proof fit. They also have access to factory parts.
Cost to fix a weather seal
The cost to replace door weatherstripping depends on factors like:
- Vehicle year, make and model – Luxury and specialty vehicles are more expensive.
- Length of weatherstrip required – Entire door seals cost more than small sections.
- Use of OEM or aftermarket parts – Factory seals are pricier.
- Shop labor rates – Dealerships charge more than independent garages.
On average, you can expect to pay in the range of:
- $50-150 for DIY weatherstrip replacement using aftermarket bulk sealing
- $100-300+ for professional replacement with OEM factory seals
New weatherstripping is a relatively affordable repair that pays for itself in reduced moisture damage and road noise over the years. Proper regular maintenance of weather seals prevents costly issues like rusted interior metal, electrical shorts, and ruined upholstery.
Conclusion
Repairing a leaky weather seal promptly extends your car’s life, makes driving more pleasant, and prevents big problems down the road. With some basic tools and supplies, this is a manageable DIY project for most vehicle owners. Pay attention to removing all old adhesive, accurate measurements, and getting a tight seal around the entire door perimeter when installing fresh weatherstripping.
| Weather Seal Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Small cracks or tears | Replace just the damaged section |
| Seal detached from frame | Reattach or replace seal |
| Seal dried out and hard | Replace entire weatherstrip |
| Missing sections | Patch with new weatherstrip |