have to replace rear window gasket?

[kiesan]

The rear window on my Carerra coupe leaks a tad on the passenger side. I'm going to have the glass R&R'd... can/should the gasket be re-used? It still seems quite pliable with no rips or tears so I was inclined to have the glass shop put it back all cleaned up with fresh sealant. TIA

[ZOA NOM]

For the peace of mind, it's worth the 65 bucks to replace it. Also, I believe there is no need for sealant. The seal is locked with the trim piece.

[aigel]

The reason your window leaks is the fact that your rubber is old. There is no sealant necessary on a proper install. It is a window gasket, just like an O-ring, doesn't need extra sealant! All I found in my window channels was a spoon full of putty in the corners, possibly to center the window.

G

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by aigel
All I found in my window channels was a spoon full of putty in the corners, possibly to center the window.

Yep..
That's centering the glass in the frame.
I'd like to know the clearance.. or

Hey Kiesan.. do you know what the distance is from
the gasket edge to the edge of the chanel X 4

?

[Fritz]

Without a doubt get a new seal and have it R&R'd.

I just had the glass put back in my car and very glad I had a pro do it. They charged $35 for doing the rear window and he/they worked their behinds off getting the trim straight and the defroster wires hooked up. It looks great and is fairly inexpensive to have it done right.

BTW, I bought the seal and took it in to them.

[Harlan Chinn]

Get a new seal as the old one is probably dried up causing your leak and will probably need to be cut out. Be careful when cutting it out that you don't cut through the defrost wires that run around the rubber. They exit on the drivers side in either 2 or 4 places depending on whether you have a 1 or 2 stage defroster. Also be careful not to nick the paint with the cutting. If you do be sure to prime and paint over the nick as rust will form there. Also address any other rust areas if you find them when the glass is out.

[aigel]

One can use a sharp kitchen knife and cut from the glass side, parallel to the glass right on top of the glass. The trim and inner rubber rim will fall right out. Chances to cut the wiring or touch the paint are zilch that way. It works real well on old rubber, I can tell you!

To the folks that paid $35 to have it installed. Those poor installers didn't make much on that deal! It takes more than half an hour to do this right, even for a pro. I would think that they weren't knowing what they'd gotten themselves inot. I recommend doing it yourself or have a porsche shop do it.

George