Instrument Rubbers

[bodmin]

When inserting the instruments is it better to have the rubbers installed on the instrument itself, or better to have them already already fitted in the hole ready for the instrument to be pushed in?

Reason I ask is that I’ve just fitted LED bulbs in the instruments, and noticed that the rubbers are a bit uneven around the instruments. I fitted them to the instruments before inserting them. Also used a thin film of rubber grease on the rubbers.

[Showdown]

Fit the rubber sleeves on the instrument without grease- they need to be pretty snug. Then push them into the dash, again without grease. If the rubber is dry you can try to recondition it with silicone but you want them to fit tight and not slide around.

[Dpmulvan]

So tempting, not going to say it.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

So tempting, not going to say it.

Last thing you want is an unplanned gauge on your dash.

[bodmin]

������ Forgot I was addressing a predominantly American audience!

[fanaudical]

Yep - Lots of potential jokes on this one from here in the USA...

Here's what I did to re-use the old gauge gaskets when I had my gauges out:

- Soak gaskets in warm, soapy water for a while and scrub clean with a brush. Re-soak in more warm, soapy water.

Do the following one gauge at a time:

- Pull from the water one at a time and tap on a towel to remove most of the water. Fit onto the gauge and align as needed.

- Make your electrical connections. Push the gauge and gasket into the dash. Rotate the gauge for alignment.

- Towel off any excess water.

The water dries and everything is where it should be.

[porschedude996]

OMG, I saw this unfold at the “rubbers”

[sean m]

Can't quit laughing at all the possible answers to this question.....

[Packin4]

A buddy who is a lifetime United Airlines mechanic says they use Windex to get rubber to slide/install easily, then it dries and grips as it should. I tried it, works as advertised.