Just announced - T6 recall for roof corrosion beneath the seal

[Bramco]

Hi from a dealer perspective we have to action the recall it can have server implications from vw for any dealer to miss a recall or workshop action. It’s better for us if there is no tape on the roof as we have to fit the specific tape from vw any other tape on there would invalidate any work carried out by a dealer. However most dealers will not remove tape that has been fitted by a customer as it could damage the roof and that dealer would be liable, you would either have to sign a disclaimer that any damage done removing the tape would be at your own risk and cost or that you remove the tape yourself.

Hi Vw guru.

We're assuming it's also better for you if the seal hasn't been glued on when a repair has been done.

Are there instructions on how to deal with vans that have had the roof repair done but the bodyshop, following their instructions have glued the seal back in place. Do we get a new roof because the workshop action can't be completed?

Ours had the roof fixed at Claridges over the summer and is due in for it's 4 year service tomorrow - should be interesting....

 

[VW Guru]

Hi Vw guru.

We're assuming it's also better for you if the seal hasn't been glued on when a repair has been done.

Are there instructions on how to deal with vans that have had the roof repair done but the bodyshop, following their instructions have glued the seal back in place. Do we get a new roof because the workshop action can't be completed?

Ours had the roof fixed at Claridges over the summer and is due in for it's 4 year service tomorrow - should be interesting....

Hi @Bramco if the repair work has carried out and the roof seal had been bonded then the recall should be classed as done and the paperwork processed by the van centre

 

[Bramco]

then the recall should be classed as done and the paperwork processed by the van centre

Apparently it still shows as needing the workshop action - and as tape hasn't been fitted and they won't be able to inspect the roof, I can't see how it can be marked as completed. It will be interesting to see what's on the paperwork when I pick it up later tomorrow.

 

[VW Guru]

Apparently it still shows as needing the workshop action - and as tape hasn't been fitted and they won't be able to inspect the roof, I can't see how it can be marked as completed. It will be interesting to see what's on the paperwork when I pick it up later tomorrow.

My apologies I did not know the tape had not been fitted that does pose a problem I feel it would need to go to a qualified body shop to have the work done

 

[ArunAlec]

Mines been inspected and corrosion found. Photos sent to VW, so I await their response.

 

[Bramco]

My apologies I did not know the tape had not been fitted that does pose a problem

Yep. And we're not the only ones. All vans that have been to a bodyshop for quite a while now have had a new seal glued on to the roof edge. So there's no way of fitting the tape unless you force the seal off. If that's even possible.

And if the fix has been tape in manufacturing for the last couple of years and the workshop action is to fix tape, then we want tape fitted to ours.

I'll report back when I've heard what they have to say tomorrow.

 

[VW Guru]

Yep. And we're not the only ones. All vans that have been to a bodyshop for quite a while now have had a new seal glued on to the roof edge. So there's no way of fitting the tape unless you force the seal off. If that's even possible.

And if the fix has been tape in manufacturing for the last couple of years and the workshop action is to fix tape, then we want tape fitted to ours.

I'll report back when I've heard what they have to say tomorrow.

I know Marshall’s body shop in Newbury were fitting the tape and bonding when carrying out the repair I’m not sure if other body shops did.

 

[Volkywagen]

I got my rusty 12 month old seal replaced last week under warranty.

 

[MickyTwoPints]

Just got my van back. Apparently it didn't have any corrosion (I've never checked) so they put some protective tape on to make sure it doesn't happen ... or something like that

 

[WelshGas]

As you know this Workshop Recall covers the T5.1 back to 2010 also.

Had the check today on my 2014 and saw the video they took.
Front Panel above windscreen totally clear.

Elevating Roof - Totally clear. They removed the seal, cleaned the edges. Absolutely NO marking. Inside of Seal was absolutely clear with no rust or evidence that the steel insert had been exposed.

Tape etc: was then applied and seal replaced.

Now this beggars the question WHY NO Corrosion ?

The front panel should be clear as the alloy change came in on the MY2015 which my California is as it was built end of July 2014 but not registered until December - my choice.

Elevating Section - No crimp marks in paint etc: from the seal.

Paint Colour - Natural Grey - some paints can vary in protectiveness.
The vehicle lives outside - never been under cover except when in for a service at the Dealers.
The Seal was ONLY removed at the end of the 3yr Warranty for a corrosion check.

My hypothesis, probably wrong though, is that the Paint was properly cured before the seal was applied. My vehicle was built just after the VW Factory Summer closure. If the roof panel was painted before the closure and then was stored over the holiday closure for some weeks then maybe this gave the various primers/paint time to properly dry/cure before the seal was applied.

 

[Blueeyedboy]

Hi
I use the same garage as you WG. Do you have to ask them to check , clean seal etc. Mine was serviced in June this year 2015 but that’s all the did. I guess I need to start saving for expense you just had.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi
I use the same garage as you WG. Do you have to ask them to check , clean seal etc. Mine was serviced in June this year 2015 but that’s all the did. I guess I need to start saving for expense you just had.

It is a Workshop Recall, something they will do when in for a service/repair etc: You could wait for your next service or book it in for this if you don't want to wait.

 

[Bramco]

Hi @Bramco if the repair work has carried out and the roof seal had been bonded then the recall should be classed as done and the paperwork processed by the van centre

Well, VW Leicester knew my van had been to have the corrosion fixed at Claridges in Southport, they arranged it all. Although they have no clue as to what was done. On Wednesday they carried out the workshop recall and all I can say is that it looks as though someone has had to rip the new seal off (which had fitted very neatly) because of the bonding. They have then put the foil on - you can see some above the seal. And they've then banged the now damaged seal back on with what looks like a rubber mallet. It's very wonky.
There are gaps on the edge where rain can get in and as far as I can see the tape must have been applied over what was left of the bonding agent on the roof. I haven't pulled the seal off yet as I intend to do it when VW Leicester and I can do it together to see the damage and faulty 'fix'.

To be honest I feel sorry for the technician who had to do it. he's been given x minutes to do the job and the last thing he was expecting was to find the seal bonded on the roof - although I did warn them at reception.

See the photos below. And then to cap it all on the first journey out after getting back from the service (10 miles) the turbo hose blew and left me in hiccupy limp mode. They had also done the timing belt and water pump which means the hose has to come off and be clipped back on again - sadly they hadn't clipped it back on again. Fortunately I was only a few miles from home and could get the local garage to do the job properly.

I know Marshall’s body shop in Newbury were fitting the tape and bonding when carrying out the repair I’m not sure if other body shops did.

@Vw guru - are you sure Marshall's were fitting tape - on the T5 corrosion thread someone has written that they have seen the VWCS instructions to the bodyshops and there is no mention of tape. Claridges certainly didn't put any on ours.

I'm after a new roof - that should have a 6 year warranty, be manufactured with the tape and last the van out

Pics follow

 

[VW Guru]

Well, VW Leicester knew my van had been to have the corrosion fixed at Claridges in Southport, they arranged it all. Although they have no clue as to what was done. On Wednesday they carried out the workshop recall and all I can say is that it looks as though someone has had to rip the new seal off (which had fitted very neatly) because of the bonding. They have then put the foil on - you can see some above the seal. And they've then banged the now damaged seal back on with what looks like a rubber mallet. It's very wonky.
There are gaps on the edge where rain can get in and as far as I can see the tape must have been applied over what was left of the bonding agent on the roof. I haven't pulled the seal off yet as I intend to do it when VW Leicester and I can do it together to see the damage and faulty 'fix'.

To be honest I feel sorry for the technician who had to do it. he's been given x minutes to do the job and the last thing he was expecting was to find the seal bonded on the roof - although I did warn them at reception.

See the photos below. And then to cap it all on the first journey out after getting back from the service (10 miles) the turbo hose blew and left me in hiccupy limp mode. They had also done the timing belt and water pump which means the hose has to come off and be clipped back on again - sadly they hadn't clipped it back on again. Fortunately I was only a few miles from home and could get the local garage to do the job properly.



@Vw guru - are you sure Marshall's were fitting tape - on the T5 corrosion thread someone has written that they have seen the VWCS instructions to the bodyshops and there is no mention of tape. Claridges certainly didn't put any on ours.

I'm after a new roof - that should have a 6 year warranty, be manufactured with the tape and last the van out

Pics follow
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Hi yes I know marshals were because they were following the workshop manuals as it should be. When claiming we as a dealer we ended up footing the bill as vw would not pay us for the tape they said it was not part of the repair at the time. FYI the process to bond the seal back on has now been removed from the process.

 

[Volkywagen]

Hi yes I know marshals were because they were following the workshop manuals as it should be. When claiming we as a dealer we ended up footing the bill as vw would not pay us for the tape they said it was not part of the repair at the time. FYI the process to bond the seal back on has now been removed from the process.

Maybe vw looked at this thread and took advice

 

[Hotel California]

@Bramco , that looks awfull....! Needs to be re-done .

The bonding of the seal is a VW UK only thing , not been done elsewhere , certainly not a good thing to do imo.

 

[Bramco]

Hi yes I know marshals were because they were following the workshop manuals as it should be. When claiming we as a dealer we ended up footing the bill as vw would not pay us for the tape they said it was not part of the repair at the time. FYI the process to bond the seal back on has now been removed from the process.

Interesting, so Marshalls were following the workshop manuals. Why weren't the rest of the bodyshops? Basically because VW supply the kit of parts with the van which doesn't include the tape but does include the bonding gunk and they follow the instructions from VWCS in the UK. Well done Marshalls is all I can say. Shame Claridges weren't as principled.

As for them now removing the bonding instructions from the process - great for everyone from now on but there must be a hell of a lot of vans with the seal bonded on that are going to get the treatment our van got.

@Vw guru - so what do you think the chances are that we can be bought off from taking this to the press by VW coming up with a new roof? :-D

 

[Loz]

I have ordered the gell I mentioned in the other post as this is removable, but before I do that I need to get the one bubble of corrosion sorted. What I need is a chips away type man who knows how to treat Aluminium bodywork.

 

[Bramco]

@Vw guru

Quick question - I'm heading to the dealer tomorrow so they can see the mess they've made. Before I do it would be good to know if the tape is supposed to be applied all the way round the roof and are there any special pieces of tape, for, for example the corners?

Simon

 

[VW Guru]

@Vw guru

Quick question - I'm heading to the dealer tomorrow so they can see the mess they've made. Before I do it would be good to know if the tape is supposed to be applied all the way round the roof and are there any special pieces of tape, for, for example the corners?

Simon

Hi @Bramco the tape should be applied I one piece down both sides and along the rear edge. Vw say not to fit tape along the front edge of the lifting part however I always do as there is enough tape supplied I think it’s a bad idea just doing the sides and rear. I always run the length of the roof from passenger side to drivers side as one piece then put a separate piece along the front overlapping the side tape to avoid water ingress. There should also be tape applied to the front corners of the roof frame see the pictures for one I’m just finishing with a new seal as the old had a small rust spot and they can be replaced if that is happening.

 

[Bramco]

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Hi @Bramco the tape should be applied I one piece down both sides and along the rear edge. Vw say not to fit tape along the front edge of the lifting part however I always do as there is enough tape supplied I think it’s a bad idea just doing the sides and rear. I always run the length of the roof from passenger side to drivers side as one piece then put a separate piece along the front overlapping the side tape to avoid water ingress. There should also be tape applied to the front corners of the roof frame see the pictures for one I’m just finishing with a new seal as the old had a small rust spot and they can be replaced if that is happening.

Thanks, you're a star for keeping us all informed about this.

I've just taken part of the side off ours above the drivers door and the tape that has been applied doesn't run right to the front - there's a few inches not covered and all along the edge the tape is standing off the roof as it goes over the bits of the bonding sealant they had used to bond the seal on at Claridges. Quite a mess. I'll take some photos tomorrow when Parkway do the inspection. I seriously can't see any way that it can be corrected, short of going to a bodyshop again to have the bonding agent stripped off, repainting as necessary and then a new seal put on. Or a new roof.

Simon

 

[Bramco]

OK. So Parkway have agreed that it's a massive bodge job. They are ordering in a new seal and will remove the old seal and all traces of the bonding gunk Claridges used and do the job properly. Just hope there's no new corrosion or it'll be rinse and repeat...

Interestingly the local bodywork expert said the seals are never bonded on - but of course had to admit it had been and that it could have only occurred if Claridge's did it when they did the corrosion.

 

[VW Guru]

OK. So Parkway have agreed that it's a massive bodge job. They are ordering in a new seal and will remove the old seal and all traces of the bonding gunk Claridges used and do the job properly. Just hope there's no new corrosion or it'll be rinse and repeat...

Interestingly the local bodywork expert said the seals are never bonded on - but of course had to admit it had been and that it could have only occurred if Claridge's did it when they did the corrosion.

The workshop instructions did state until a few weeks ago the new seal should be bonded on. The instructions now just state to carry out the protection work then fit the seal by hand do not hit the seal or tap it on with a mallet just push on by hand and fully locate with a plastic roller

 

[TwoDogs]

Just got my T5 back....no corrosion, tape applied

 

[WelshGas]

Just got my T5 back....no corrosion, tape applied

What year? as they have been making T5's for some time.