Door seals in 98 Forester

[leegh]

The door seals (weatherstripping) have partially pulled off on both
rear doors in my Forester. The dealer here in Ottawa tells me it will
cost $180 to fix each (+$100 for the part plus labor). Apparently they
have to take the door apart to install them.

Is there a cheaper option? I went to a local hardware store and they
showed me a "universal door seal" which look like a roll of that foam
stuff that you'd use for weatherstripping windows. Seemed like a bit of
a joke, but maybe it would work.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Larry Van Wormer]

The door seals (weatherstripping) have partially pulled off on both
rear doors in my Forester. The dealer here in Ottawa tells me it will
cost $180 to fix each (+$100 for the part plus labor). Apparently they
have to take the door apart to install them.

Is there a cheaper option? I went to a local hardware store and they
showed me a "universal door seal" which look like a roll of that foam
stuff that you'd use for weatherstripping windows. Seemed like a bit of
a joke, but maybe it would work.

I assume parts of the seals are missing, or they are otherwise damaged?
If not, silicone seal will work to hold them in place. If you do need
new seals, Canadian Tire used to have some decent door seal material,
and if they don't stock it any more, auto supply stores do still have
it. Just pick one with about the same dimensions as the original.


I wouldn't use the material you saw at the hardware store, it won't hold up.

Larry Van Wormer

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

The door seals (weatherstripping) have partially pulled off on both
rear doors in my Forester. The dealer here in Ottawa tells me it will
cost $180 to fix each (+$100 for the part plus labor). Apparently they
have to take the door apart to install them.

Is there a cheaper option? I went to a local hardware store and they
showed me a "universal door seal" which look like a roll of that foam
stuff that you'd use for weatherstripping windows. Seemed like a bit of
a joke, but maybe it would work.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

I would investigate purchasing the part from an on-line discount dealer
(www.subarugenuineparts.com is one I've used, email/call Jamie for help
if the website is a problem) and having a body shop or, maybe, find a
guy with some experience in custom stereo installation or custom
interiors,etc.(someone who knows how to work inside the door). They MAY
have a lower labor rate than the dealer. I fear other DIY solutions
might lead to trouble in the near future.(noise, water leaks,etc.)

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[Larry Van Wormer]

I would investigate purchasing the part from an on-line discount dealer
(www.subarugenuineparts.com is one I've used, email/call Jamie for help
if the website is a problem) and having a body shop or, maybe, find a
guy with some experience in custom stereo installation or custom
interiors,etc.(someone who knows how to work inside the door). They MAY
have a lower labor rate than the dealer. I fear other DIY solutions
might lead to trouble in the near future.(noise, water leaks,etc.)

As I think about it further, my advice was wrong, re. using aftermarket
seals. While I've used those successfully on other cars, I'd forgotten
about the effect of the Subaru's frameless windows. Because they move
against the seals, those seals have to be the correct shape to work
properly and last. So, I withdraw what I said previously, and have to
say Carl's correct, use Subaru seals. Nothing else is likely to work.

Larry Van Wormer