Water Leaks (page 5 of 7)

 
Check the bearing surface: Apply chalk evenly to the surface of the seal. Evenly coat the bearing surface of the 
door with vaseline. Close the door fully, the lock must engage. Open the door. The imprint of the chalk (bearing 
surface) can be identified in the film of grease. The bearing surface should be at least 5mm across at all points. 

Check clamping load:  
The easiest way to check the clamping load of a seal to the respective bearing surface is by means of a 
paper strip test. This consists of trapping strips of paper at various points between the door and the seal, 
and fully closing the door. If it is possible to pull out the paper with no great resistance, then the clamping 
load is too low.  
Adjust the clamping load:  
NOTE :  

 
The clamping load is normally adjusted using the striker. When doing so, the edge alignment from the door 
to the side panel, or from the front door to the rear door must be taken into account.  
Another setting method is to realign the panel flange for the seal mounting. The clamping load is increased 
by moving the flange towards the door.  
NOTE :  

 
Check the bearing surface:  
Apply chalk evenly to the surface of the seal. Evenly coat the bearing surface of the door with vaseline.  
Close the door fully, the lock must engage. Open the door. The imprint of the chalk (bearing surface) can 
be identified in the film of grease.  
The bearing surface should be at least 5mm across at all points.  

Other causes: The door seal must completely seal the door where it meets the bodywork. Water can ingress 
directly or indirectly into the interior of the vehicle if the seal is damaged at any point. 

The door seal must completely seal the door where it meets the bodywork.  
Water can ingress directly or indirectly into the interior of the vehicle if the seal is damaged at any point.  

Corrective action: A damaged or worn door seal must always be renewed in full. When renewing the seal, the 
following must be taken into account: Always fit the seal first in the area of the narrow radii (corner points). Next, 
secure the seal to the flange evenly by tapping lightly with a rubber hammer. The installed seal must not be kinked 
at any point. 

A damaged or worn door seal must always be renewed in full.  
When renewing the seal, the following must be taken into account:  
Always fit the seal first in the area of the narrow radii (corner points).  
Next, secure the seal to the flange evenly by tapping lightly with a rubber hammer. The installed seal must 
not be kinked at any point.  

NOTE :  

Other cause: The door seal is attached to the welded flange all the way round. If this welded flange is uneven or 
damaged at any point (usually in areas with narrow radii) then this point could be subject to leaks. A stretched seal 
carrier can also cause a leak. In both cases, water gets into the vehicle interior under the seal carrier. 

The door seal is attached to the welded flange all the way round. If this welded flange is uneven or 
damaged at any point (usually in areas with narrow radii) then this point could be subject to leaks.  
A stretched seal carrier can also cause a leak.  
In both cases, water gets into the vehicle interior under the seal carrier.  

Corrective action: Align the deformed welded flange using a hammer and anvil block, prevent and if necessary 
repair any paint damage. 

Align the deformed welded flange using a hammer and anvil block, prevent and if necessary repair any 
paint damage.  

Other cause: The door seal is attached to the welded flange all the way round. If this welded flange is uneven or 
damaged at any point (usually in areas with narrow radii) then this point could be subject to leaks. A stretched seal 
carrier can also cause a leak. In both cases, water gets into the vehicle interior under the seal carrier. 

The door seal is attached to the welded flange all the way round. If this welded flange is uneven or 
damaged at any point (usually in areas with narrow radii) then this point could be subject to leaks.  
A stretched seal carrier can also cause a leak.  
In both cases, water gets into the vehicle interior under the seal carrier.  

When adjusting the clamping load, the profile alignment of the relevant components must always be 
taken into consideration. 

Do not realign the flange too far in the direction of the door, as this can reduce the bearing surface 
of the seal to the door. 

The prescribed length of a seal must not be shortened.