Weatherstrip Protection/Maintenance

MI Mike

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The users manual says to maintain your weatherstrips that you should use Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part #3634770) or Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part #12345579). I have heard that silicone should not be used on weatherstripping. The GM Lubricant is very-very expensive. What is the best to use? I see that others have suggested using 1Z Einszett Rubber Care Stick Gummi Pflege. Are there other sources/items that can be used. What has been your experience.
 
Some folks will use 303 protectant on these as it gives fabulous UV protection and will help keep the rubber supple.

Jenn
 
I was a big 303 user till I tried the pfledge. Now I use both, but the pfledge is great.
 
PB Trim Restorer for me, a little goes a long way. A 16oz bottle will last years and it smells like coconut to boot.
 
I use Meguiar's M40 Vinyl & Rubber Conditioner.
 
Some folks will use 303 protectant on these as it gives fabulous UV protection and will help keep the rubber supple.

Jenn

ABSOLUTELY AGREE! Much cheaper per oz. than Gummi. Much more versatile too. Great for interior too. I spray directly on a microfiber glove and use fingers to apply to weather stripping. also extends wiper life and keeps plastic and vinyl looking new for years. A must for any detailers arsenal IMO.
 
Einszett Rubber Stick indeed ... Wurths is nice too.
 
I use the 1Z stick... 303 Protectant is a nice product, but for rubber seals I find 1Z gummipflege is better. Works great for convertibles, where you have 20-30ft or more of rubber seals to maintain for a top. 303 will have to be applied several times to get the durability I see out of one application. Well worth the price difference when you factor in the time involved to park the top at various positions to reach all the seals, the amount of rubber to cover, etc.

And since convertibles are less rigid than a coupe or sedan, you generally can notice rubber squeaks at various friction points with the top up. A gummipflege treatment on all the seals can greatly reduce this noise. Also, on vehicles not used frequently, Gummipflege stops door, trunk, hood, and window seals from sticking after sitting. 303 Protectant does have some of these properties initially after application, but I have never found the results long lasting by comparison.
 
Thanks for the feedback. The GM Weatherstrip Lube (#3634770), runs about $73.25 MSRP for 1-oz. ($51.35 actual + s/h). I know others have inquired about this at various forums. Hope this will help others as well.
 
Who told you that silicone should not be applied to EPDM rubber stripping? GM recommends the application of silicone grease to their cars, as does Honda. Those of us who own S2000s commonly apply Shin-Etsu silicone grease to the rubber seals, especially around the convertible top. Silicone grease helps to reduce squeaking and prevents sticking. From what I have read, the silicone is inert and will not degrade EPDM rubber seals.

A related question is whether anything needs to be applied to EPDM seals to keep them supple and soft. I contacted Sumitomo Chemical and asked them if anything needed to be used to prevent EPDM weatherstripping from degrading or getting hard. The answer I received was negative.

I regularly clean the weatherstripping with M40. Each autumn I generously apply Shin-Etsu grease to the weatherstripping of my two Hondas, let it sit for 30-60 minutes, and then wipe off the excess.
 
Who told you that silicone should not be applied to EPDM rubber stripping? GM recommends the application of silicone grease to their cars, as does Honda.


Interesting ! It was a a GM Dealership Service Writer. Chances are they only wanted to sell the product/service. Thanks. !!! That's why I asked the question.
 
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