2001 Forester -- lousy window gaskets?

[Rich Carreiro]

We've loved our '01 Forester S since we bought it, but we've always
been a bit disappointed at the noise. It's not a quiet car.

One of the more annoying parts of the noise is the wind noise.
More than once I've checked the windows because I was sure they
weren't closed all the way -- but they were. Anyone else have
this problem? Will new gaskets fix it, or is that just the way
the windows are?

 

[Byron]

We've loved our '01 Forester S since we bought it, but we've always
been a bit disappointed at the noise. It's not a quiet car.

One of the more annoying parts of the noise is the wind noise.
More than once I've checked the windows because I was sure they
weren't closed all the way -- but they were. Anyone else have
this problem? Will new gaskets fix it, or is that just the way
the windows are?

Try lowering the offending windows an inch or so when the doors are
closed. Then close them again. When I do that in my WRX, the noise all
but disappears. It's annoying as I have to redo it every time the door
is opened, but it works. When the driver window in my car is _all_ the
way up, it makes noise until I do this. If it's down by a millimeter
it's very quiet - and it still seals out water, even during a car wash.

If it still makes noise (or even if the temp fix works), you might try
bolstering the existing gaskets with something solid but pliable. Find
out where in the gasket the air leak is coming from and put in a shim or
silicone between the folds of the gasket (and not touching the glass!).

I'd say replacing the gaskets would be a last resort unless there is a
cut in them.

 

[Cixcos]

I agree with this "workaround". I guess it has to do with the frameless
design.

Ben
02' Forester

 

[Henry Paul]

I don't know if the Forester has the same adjustment options as the Impreza,
but my car has adjustments you can make inside the door to increase the
tension of the glass against the door seal to remove wind noise and leakage.

 

[Yolande]

I've had the same problem with both my Subarus - a '92 Legacy and my
current '01 Forester. I stopped by the dealer once to discuss this
issue and one of the technicians told me that the problem was caused
by the sideview mirrors. He adjusted the mirror and the whistling was
under control. However, the "fix" didn't last for long.

The "whistling windows" is the ONLY real complaint I've ever had with
my Subarus; I find it most annoying. I wrote to Subaru Canada about
it... twice... they must have lost my return address!

Yolande

 

[hippo]

IME there's always some wind noise from the frameless glass BUT pop one of
the front door trims and have a play with the two little slide adjusters
at the top of the door panel that tension the glass in or out. Just don't
get over enthusuatic, totally remove the stay bolts and drop one down
inside the door .... Who, me? It may not help, but if you've got a spare
half hour a side or so. Make sure you check that all the little teminal
blocks are reconnected BEFORE putting everything back together; that way,
the windows and mirrors work MUCH better. Cheers