Avoiding roof corrosion?

[66tim99]

I sympathise, I was very tempted to do that too.

I guess the argument in support is that, as a conscientious owner, you are now aware of the inherent risk, so you will regularly check, clean and re-treat around the seal (as will I). As a result, there is little or no chance of bubbling paint on the aluminium and a resulting need for a warranty claim.

It is not an easy decision, particularly on a brand new vehicle.

Would you be willing to post photos of where to check and what for please?

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Would you be willing to post photos of where to check and what for please?

Yes, but have you first read my detailed post #80 above? Actually, although long, all 7 pages of this string are pretty helpful on the subject, for example @Perfectos posted just above #80 his own 4 seals tale of woe (on a MY2021).

Initially - whilst I know some say 'leave well alone' - I personally would recommend carefully removing the seal, as posting #80 above, on a really warm sunny day when the car's roof has got pretty hot (so the rubber is soft); and inspecting and cleaning much as posting #80.

What you are looking for is (i) rust stains and (ii) paint damage on the aluminium raising roof panel, either bubbling or scratches.

@WelshGas has a theory that one contributory factor to the problem could be the roof seal bonding to the roof frame below, so that it then moves and rubs. Relevant maintenance could sensibly include regularly preventative treatment of the seal externally with a rubber/vinyl product such as Autoglym or Gummi Pflege.

 

[66tim99]

Yes, but have you first read my detailed post #80 above? Actually, although long, all 7 pages of this string is pretty helpful on the subject, for example @Perfectos posted just above #80 his own 4 seals tale of woe (on a MY2021).

Initially - whilst I know some say 'leave well alone' - personally I would recommend carefully removing the seal, as posting #80 above, on a really warm sunny day when the car's roof has got pretty hot (so the rubber is soft); and inspecting and cleaning much as posting #80.

What you are looking for is (i) rust stains and (ii) paint damage on the aluminium raising roof panel, either bubbling or scratches.

@WelshGas has a theory that one contributory factor to the problems could be the roof seal bonding to the roof frame below, so that it then moves on and rubs the paint on the aluminium section. Relevant maintenance could sensibly include regularly treating the seal externally with a rubber/vinyl product such as Autoglym or Gummi Pflege.

Thanks and sorry. I am sat in a Welsh campsite, with some Welsh gin and Caerphilly on board after a day in the saddle with a pooch on my back. I jumped to the easy option - I’ll re-read this thread.
Thanks to all who have contributed I’m sure there are horror photos somewhere. I’m gutted to read about this known problem

 

[Defender90]

Would you be willing to post photos of where to check and what for please?

It’s really not a big job I have just been out and removed the seal in sections cleaned and checked the seal ,it has a few places that have caused a rust stain but no corrosion on the alloy roof just seal damage,so I have cleaned the roof and wiped lanoguard grease onto the roof lip then refitted roof goes up and down seal stays in position
I just ask myself why have they put a m3 plastic tape on every edge but the front very strange

 

[66tim99]

It’s really not a big job I have just been out and removed the seal in sections cleaned and checked the seal ,it has a few places that have caused a rust stain but no corrosion on the alloy roof just seal damage,so I have cleaned the roof and wiped lanoguard grease onto the roof lip then refitted roof goes up and down seal stays in position
I just ask myself why have they put a m3 plastic tape on every edge but the front very strange

Thanks 90, I’m a simple man with an eye for making a mess of things, so hoping for a: Step 1 - raise the roof -type post.
I’ll keep an eye though and put the work in on reading this thread

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Thanks and sorry. I am sat in a Welsh campsite, with some Welsh gin and Caerphilly on board after a day in the saddle with a pooch on my back. I jumped to the easy option - I’ll re-read this thread.
Thanks to all who have contributed I’m sure there are horror photos somewhere. I’m gutted to read about this known problem

I think it is all in here above, and worth the effort. Particularly if your ownership plan is long term.

 

[Defender90]

Thanks 90, I’m a simple man with an eye for making a mess of things, so hoping for a: Step 1 - raise the roof -type post.
I’ll keep an eye though and put the work in on reading this thread

Step one raise the roof 6”
get some step ladders
start at the front pull the Seal away from the middle of the roof and work towards yourself
then clean the area the seal has been in contact with
then apply lanoguard grease with your finger to the area the seal comes in contact with don’t worry about making a mess it wipes off
as you work your way around raise the roof another 6” which will help with access to the seal at the rear
then work your way around the van front to back.

it’s that simple

 

[Defender90]

Step one raise the roof 6”
get some step ladders
start at the front pull the Seal away from the middle of the roof and work towards yourself
then clean the area the seal has been in contact with
then apply lanoguard grease with your finger to the area the seal comes in contact with don’t worry about making a mess it wipes off
as you work your way around raise the roof another 6” which will help with access to the seal at the rear
then work your way around the van front to back.

it’s that simple

Just to be clear ,you are only pull away a section of seal at a time let’s say no more than a meter at a time.

hope that helps

 

[yossarian]

And review this thread to decide if you want to apply the anti rust product. The procedure is still useful without it.

 

[66tim99]

Step one raise the roof 6”
get some step ladders
start at the front pull the Seal away from the middle of the roof and work towards yourself
then clean the area the seal has been in contact with
then apply lanoguard grease with your finger to the area the seal comes in contact with don’t worry about making a mess it wipes off
as you work your way around raise the roof another 6” which will help with access to the seal at the rear
then work your way around the van front to back.

it’s that simple

Very good of you, thanks

 

[66tim99]

And review this thread to decide if you want to apply the anti rust product. The procedure is still useful without it.

I take it then that you wouldn’t apply the Lanoguard?

 

[Perfectos]

Anti rust product will simply delay the inevitable

edit = problem does Not exist until it exists ! Catch it before it’s a problem

 

[OooOooTheMonkey]

Is it worth as a matter of course replacing the seal every few years anyway? Our ownership will be long term so thinking beyond warranty period here. I don’t want to interfere too much while warranty is valid in case they blame me for any rust issues and don’t rectify them.

 

[yossarian]

I take it then that you wouldn’t apply the Lanoguard?

Definitely not if my van were under warranty. After that I'm not sure.

I would apply the tape to the front edge (something that's tried and tested)

I have a sneaky suspicion a simple impressed current system would work but really VW should be doing all this research.

 

[Defender90]

Definitely not if my van were under warranty. After that I'm not sure.

I would apply the tape to the front edge (something that's tried and tested)

I have a sneaky suspicion a simple impressed current system would work but really VW should be doing all this research.

Why not if a warranty issue arises then buy a new seal wipe the lanoguard off fit the seal and head to the dealer.
dont wait for the issue to arise because then it will be to late

 

[yossarian]

Why not if a warranty issue arises then buy a new seal wipe the lanoguard off fit the seal and head to the dealer.
dont wait for the issue to arise because then it will be to late

My thinking is that VW have probably tried all the cheap easy fixes they can think of. If it was as simple as Lanoguard I'm sure they'd have speced it.

I do have a warranty issue so I'm certainly not going to try it at this stage. Maybe once it's been on your roof for a year or two I'll be keener!

 

[Defender90]

My thinking is that VW have probably tried all the cheap easy fixes they can think of. If it was as simple as Lanoguard I'm sure they'd have speced it.

I do have a warranty issue so I'm certainly not going to try it at this stage. Maybe once it's been on your roof for a year or two I'll be keener!

Lol I do get it they are expensive vehicles,but vw and every other manufacturer have failings,I no that from having a defender for 11 years my defender is a better vehicle now than when they first built it.

 

[Defender90]

Is it worth as a matter of course replacing the seal every few years anyway? Our ownership will be long term so thinking beyond warranty period here. I don’t want to interfere too much while warranty is valid in case they blame me for any rust issues and don’t rectify them.

I think changing the seal every few years is not a bad options.

 

[Cali Phillip]

Blimey, Mines going for a DSG service tomorrow, its on the all in service plan so under warranty. I mentioned the seal showing the rusty spring and could they take a look for corrosion. Hearing the story I am tempted to just get a seal and apply generous, maybe two layers of tape to the roof edge.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Step one raise the roof 6”
get some step ladders
start at the front pull the Seal away from the middle of the roof and work towards yourself
then clean the area the seal has been in contact with
then apply lanoguard grease with your finger to the area the seal comes in contact with don’t worry about making a mess it wipes off
as you work your way around raise the roof another 6” which will help with access to the seal at the rear
then work your way around the van front to back.

it’s that simple

I use one of these £39.98 2m telescopic ladders (they come with rubber non-slip feet, and the length is perfect) for access:

Pardon our interruption...

www.ebay.co.uk

And I have added self adhesive soft pads at the top to protect where it leans against vehicle. This is more stable than step ladders and you can lean over better.

Mishandling of the seal will cause the steel reinforcement to break out - so care is required along with warmth.

The above procedure from @Defender90 is fine for general maintenance but scrutiny of the seal for break out of the steel reinforcement is also wise. If found, then seal replacement is obviously advisable.

To replace the seal requires the new one to be shaped. This is where.the problems can start - if the seal is not fitted and shaped with care and warmth.

However, it is all common sense and easily done really once you understand the aims.

 

[claesssssssss]

Very good and detailed (but depressing) thread. I have model year 2023 and I discovered today that I have the same issue.

 

[Cali Phillip]

Very good and detailed (but depressing) thread. I have model year 2023 and I discovered today that I have the same issue.

View attachment 129669

I had the same after reading the thread on my 2019 roof, the roof edge is fully taped now. I elected to get VW to fit the seal which will have the 2 yrs warranty and as a California tech fitted it then hopefully theres less scope for rejection if a claim is needed. Until then will leave alone as I wonder does regular checking increase the risk of failure?

 

[Viktorgeorge]

It must be a good idea to get the defect recorded with VW if in warranty, and have them supply a new seal(s) to have it on the record, even though my tortured experiences are set out in my various posts above.

Since then I have done and will continue my own annual check as follows:

On a warm day or in a heated garage remove the seal, clean and was polish all relevant painted surfaces (I use Collinite Super Double Coat, also on the rest of van at another time).

Inspect the seal for any rust or steel exposure. Replace if damaged (around £100 on last check) but be VERY careful when bending a new seal to shape, a hair dryer is handy to soften the rubber a little bit further on those two waves to the front.

If a previously fitted seal treat the seal exterior with Gummi or Autoglym and the inside groove of the seal with Lanoguard. If a new seal do this later once it has taken up shape over some months as otherwise it will not stay in place. Let the Lanoguard dry off as much as possible (ideally in the hot sun).

Touch up paint any scratches and check/add tape. VW's body shop added VW tape to the front edge (where it was only painted before) but I previously (awaiting their appointment) used pvc electrical insulating tape which worked well isolating surfaces and was helpfully stretchy.

Refit seal, closing roof to hold seal in place whilst the Lanoguard further dries off ideally still in the warmth of the sun, going around the seal several time to ensure pressed well into place (you may need to slightly lift and lower the roof). You do not need or want to use a rubber hammer (which is what I suspect VW did damaging my first replacement seal and scratching the paint through to the aluminium).

On a positive note, I am pleased I caught this early and learned how to look after this vulnerable area. The latter also goes for regularly cleaning the roof drains for which I and other have posted our several (fluid only) methods. This is what I use:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NZW63SF?tag=vwcalifornia-21

I use a mix of detergent and water and empty and dry the oil can between use as it is not really designed for this use and the internal springs will rust if left wet.

 

[briwy]

Sorry

buy a Marco Polo

Then the whole thing will rust.