Leaking pop tops on 2023 California Oceans

[CaliforniaPhil]

Has anybody tested their 06S bellows, spray hose or rain?

My Cali is in this week, testing and hopefully new bellows. They phoned today and said they are completing the job on Monday.

 

[Deadsquirrel!]

We have a very late 2022 ocean. What’s the best way to test it at home? Just open up the roof and have someone use a hose pipe over the bellows?

Also is there anyone with non 06s bellows that tested thoroughly and it’s not leaking? I.e could it be that ours is ok?

 

[WelshGas]

We have a very late 2022 ocean. What’s the best way to test it at home? Just open up the roof and have someone use a hose pipe over the bellows?

Also is there anyone with non 06s bellows that tested thoroughly and it’s not leaking? I.e could it be that ours is ok?

Test with a spray not a jet of water. At least 30 mins.

 

[CaliforniaPhil]

We have a very late 2022 ocean. What’s the best way to test it at home? Just open up the roof and have someone use a hose pipe over the bellows?

Also is there anyone with non 06s bellows that tested thoroughly and it’s not leaking? I.e could it be that ours is ok?

I found a step ladder with a hose on spray taped to it, good. Somebody posted a picture of their test kit on here but trying to find it in this thread! You are trying to simulate rain, so sort of arcing onto the canvas. It can take a while, you get bored holing the hose. Up to an hour, but if it leaks badly it's about 15 mins . Get it from various angles, most have leaked around the front corners and along the seem under the front half moon bit. Be careful of the vents in the top corner, if you spray those its straight in. As said before on here, keep an eye on water pooling at the front. Your drain holes will only get rid of certain amount of water, depends how much pressure/flow rate you have. If blocked you could get water in the bottom of the bellows.

 

[Sheffield10]

I found a step ladder with a hose on spray taped to it, good. Somebody posted a picture of their test kit on here but trying to find it in this thread! You are trying to simulate rain, so sort of arcing onto the canvas. It can take a while, you get bored holing the hose. Up to an hour, but if it leaks badly it's about 15 mins . Get it from various angles, most have leaked around the front corners and along the seem under the front half moon bit. Be careful of the vents in the top corner, if you spray those its straight in. As said before on here, keep an eye on water pooling at the front. Your drain holes will only get rid of certain amount of water, depends how much pressure/flow rate you have. If blocked you could get water in the bottom of the bellows.

Leaking pop tops on 2023 California Oceans

L Yes let’s hope they don’t leak too….! Not had any issues with mine yet!

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[sbmcd]

So my Aug 2024 Cali with 05S bellows are leaking, first time we've had it out in the rain and I wanted to test in sideways rain which we currently have

My local dealer is John Clark Aberdeen, just wondering if anyone has had any dealings with them with regards to replacement bellows?

Hawco Inverness is my next nearest

View attachment 129315

View attachment 129316

Following as I'm looking at an ex demo from them.

 

[Woodworkingman]

Looking for other peoples' experiences with the new double lined pop top roof (the one that is grey outside / cream inside), and any potential solutions to the problem of leaking though the seams and fabric.

In the last week we've had complaints from customers on all four of our March 2023 Oceans that the new style pop tops have leaked, mostly though the seams in heavy rain or constant drizzle. Each of them has the new double lined lined pop top roof (grey outside / cream inside). It's not a problem that we had with our "old style" 2022 vehicles (the ones with the single grey pop top fabric) - I think it might be an issue with the new design.

I've read on the forums that putting the pop tops through a few wet / dry cycles will sort the issue as the fibres tighten up - has anyone experienced this with the new style pop top?

If not, has anyone tried something like a Nikwax application to improve waterproofness?

Here’s a photo of my bellows when they were leaking on the inside. This was in light to moderate rain. The fabric really absorbs water at the front but at the sides it’s largely sheltered in low wind conditions. You can see this in the photo where the wet material is darker. I wonder if the fabric itself is not wicking the water properly and around the area of that dodgy seam it’s seeping through. When I put the roof down the canvas material felt quite heavy, certainly a lot heavier than when it’s dry. It seems to soak up water a bit like a towel. Does the old fabric soak up water in this way when wet? It looks a shinier material. If the older fabric doesn’t soak up the water in the first place the seam may be irrelevant as the water may never reach it in sufficient quantities.

View attachment 112016

To reduce production costs. Vehicles are designed and manufactured to a price, not a standard.

Took our Ocean which we collected new in November 2023 to our dealer for its oil service. They asked if we had any problems. We told them we had had a couple of leaks in the bellows and they asked whereabouts. When we said left hand front, they said that was where they always leaked and suggested we contact their warranty department. Warranty department said to book it in for a water test which would take a couple of days. Any leak would be photographed and the photos and report would be sent to VW. If VW agreed, a new bellows would be ordered and we could have it fitted at a time to suit us. I booked it in, dropped off the vehicle, 40 mile round trip , my wife collected me, got home, received phone call from dealer which said “ come back and collect your Ocean. Wait until it rains, film the rain, film the leak, photograph the white tag on the front window zip( there is no white tag on ours) , email us these details and we will see what they can do”! I will not name our dealer as they are top notch and as I worked for a different franchise main dealer for 48 years, I know what they are up against with warranty claims but at the moment I feel a bit peed off and am probably backing a loser. That’s a real shame as we really love our Cali. Had I know this was going to happen I would have sprayed it with Aquatex and saved 120 miles worth of fuel.

 

[Woodworkingman]

Has anybody tested their 06S bellows, spray hose or rain?

My Cali is in this week, testing and hopefully new bellows. They phoned today and said they are completing the job on Monday.

Took our Ocean which we collected new in November 2023 to our dealer for its oil service. They asked if we had any problems. We told them we had had a couple of leaks in the bellows and they asked whereabouts. When we said left hand front, they said that was where they always leaked and suggested we contact their warranty department. Warranty department said to book it in for a water test which would take a couple of days. Any leak would be photographed and the photos and report would be sent to VW. If VW agreed, a new bellows would be ordered and we could have it fitted at a time to suit us. I booked it in, dropped off the vehicle, 40 mile round trip , my wife collected me, got home, received phone call from dealer which said “ come back and collect your Ocean. Wait until it rains, film the rain, film the leak, photograph the white tag on the front window zip( there is no white tag on ours) , email us these details and we will see what they can do”! I will not name our dealer as they are top notch and as I worked for a different franchise main dealer for 48 years, I know what they are up against with warranty claims but at the moment I feel a bit peed off and am probably backing a loser. That’s a real shame as we really love our Cali. Had I know this was going to happen I would have sprayed it with Aquatex and saved 120 miles worth of fuel.

 

[Ghostbuster]

I share your pain woodworkingman.
I took photographs and video of the leaks and it still wasn’t enough until I had gone through the torment of the dealerships own water test and a further week of waiting for a new bellows all whist the van remained on their site.
Thankfully I now have the new version bellows fitted.

 

[Nick G]

Picked my 6.1 Ocean up today from Breeze Poole after having 03S bellows replaced with 06S. Fantastic service. Effortless and efficient. Well not exactly effortless as l bought the van from Colindale North London in August but my decision to take it to Dorset to be sorted after reading good reports. A few hours drive for me but well worth it and had a very useful loan van too. Fingers crossed the 06S bellows are effective.

 

[sbmcd]

Picked my 6.1 Ocean up today from Breeze Poole after having 03S bellows replaced with 06S. Fantastic service. Effortless and efficient. Well not exactly effortless as l bought the van from Colindale North London in August but my decision to take it to Dorset to be sorted after reading good reports. A few hours drive for me but well worth it and had a very useful loan van too. Fingers crossed the 06S bellows are effective.

Do keep us posted.

 

[Nimrod]

Just picked up my van following its 06S replacement - 4th set of bellows from new! Here's hoping its the last!?!

Anyway, whilst at the dealership, I just happened across this label hanging from one of the 'New' California's bellows...

Made me laugh!

 

[Sheffield10]

Just picked up my van following its 06S replacement - 4th set of bellows from new! Here's hoping its the last!?!

Anyway, whilst at the dealership, I just happened across this label hanging from one of the 'New' California's bellows...

Made me laugh!


View attachment 131118

Any taped seams or is 02S going to along shortly!

 

[CaliforniaPhil]

Just picked up my van following its 06S replacement - 4th set of bellows from new! Here's hoping its the last!?!

Anyway, whilst at the dealership, I just happened across this label hanging from one of the 'New' California's bellows...

Made me laugh!


View attachment 131118

Just picked mine up this morning as well. It's been in VW for nearly 4 weeks. I waited as long I could, but Rhiannon was pushing me to get the 05S bellows fitted. They were replaced 1 week before the 06S bellows started to be fitted and leaked.
VW said they couldn't get them to leak, Rhiannon said i would need to pick the van up and video it leaking at home. I poined everybody to the videos I had been attaching to the emails of the leaking bellows.
Left it with Rhiannon and VW Peterborough to sort out. Think Rhiannon did her job well as the bellows were ordered and fitted.
Fingers crossed it's the last time.

 

[Kev56]

Just picked up my van following its 06S replacement - 4th set of bellows from new! Here's hoping its the last!?!

Anyway, whilst at the dealership, I just happened across this label hanging from one of the 'New' California's bellows...

Made me laugh!


View attachment 131118

Ground hog day.

 

[Kev56]

Ground hog day.

 

[Nimrod]

Any taped seams or is 02S going to along shortly!

From what I could see it's almost identical to the 06S on the T6.1, even down to the newly taped vertical seams on the corners!

Material looks identical too, but I'm not a fabric expert, so couldn't be 100% sure.

Obviously it's a slightly different shape, and the windows are different shapes too, but all in all I really wouldn't be surprised to learn if VW have been trialling the new fabric and construction techniques on the outgoing T6.1 before going into full production on the T7 version!!! ?

 

[WelshGas]

From what I could see it's almost identical to the 06S on the T6.1, even down to the newly taped vertical seams on the corners!

Material looks identical too, but I'm not a fabric expert, so couldn't be 100% sure.

Obviously it's a slightly different shape, and the windows are different shapes too, but all in all I really wouldn't be surprised to learn if VW have been trialling the new fabric and construction techniques on the outgoing T6.1 before going into full production on the T7 version!!! ?

I would have thought that was taken for granted. Otherwise why introduce a new bellows on the last of the Transporter based Californias?

 

[Nimrod]

I would have thought that was taken for granted. Otherwise why introduce a new bellows on the last of the Transporter based Californias?

Agreed!
However personally I prefer to be on corporate payroll when performing R&D for a multinational.

 

[Oceanwagen]

Bought my new California in May 24, no issues at all with water pen until last month. After a heavy night of rain I had significant pooling around front metal shelf around the bellows. My first instinct was to grab a towel and mop up as the water was close to spilling over light switches. What I should have done according to VW was take a video!
Took it in to my local dealer to see if I could get new 06s bellows fitted. They advised VW told them (via TPI 2075258/2) that they were not to try and recreate in workshop environment! Customer has to supply evidence of water ingress. This product info note also states that drips around seals and openings are permitted and not a reason to replace bellows.
Dealer was apologetic and I can see from their perspective they won’t replace if VW won’t refund.
Next time I will video rather than mop up!!

 

[ChrisTravel]

I too had 04S bellows on a March 24 build, first moderate rain shower they leaked quite badly. To be fair Liverpool VWVC have been great, no quibble as you would expect and replaced straight away but a shame some people have less positive experiences. Good luck with your first test in the rain.

Cavvy did VW Liverpool insist on a leak test or did you just provide video photos of the leak I am in the same position as you were in with 04S leaking and bought from Liverpool

 

[Julesverne2000]

April 2023 owner and experienced leaks during that summer. Raised the issue with Adrain and VW Exec Office but had declined any replacement whilst it was clear each new iteration was still having faults reported. Adrian helpfully sorted out the cost of a cover as an interim solution.

My local dealer wasn’t where I bought the van from and is not one of the recognised more specialist California dealers popular here. I was pretty reticent about having the bellows replaced and having a battle with the dealer to get things sorted.

With the 06S seemingly having sorted the problem I bit the bullet. The process was really straight forward. One day for the test, no issue. That said, it would be easier if this step was removed. Part ordered and fitted 2 weeks later, the van was available the same day. O6S installed with no problem. I had worried that older versions would still be in the supply chain.

Although the dealership doesn’t have a California specialist on site, it looks like they have one technician that serves the regional chain that they run.

 

[lohr500]

April 2023 owner and experienced leaks during that summer. Raised the issue with Adrain and my Exec Office but had declined any replacement whilst it was clear each new iteration was still having faults reported. Adrian helpfully sorted out the cost of a cover as an interim solution.

My local dealer wasn’t where I bought the van from and is not one of the recognised more specialist California dealers popular here. I was pretty reticent about having the bellows replaced and having a battle with the dealer to get things sorted.

With the 06S seemingly having sorted the problem I bit the bullet. The process was really straight forward. One day for the test, no issue. That said, it would be easier if this step was removed. Part ordered and fitted 2 weeks later, the van was available the same day. O6S installed with no problem. I had worried that older versions would still be in the supply chain.

Although the dealership doesn’t have a California specialist on site, it looks like they have one technician that serves the regional chain that they run.

Interesting feedback. Thanks.

May I ask which dealer you used? Reason being we live near Skipton in North Yorkshire and the closest dealers are in Cleckheaton and Leeds.
So far my Aquatex treated 04S bellows are keeping the leaks out, but if I do need to get them changed, any feedback on the Cleckheaton or Leeds Van Centres would be helpful.

 

[Julesverne2000]

Interesting feedback. Thanks.

May I ask which dealer you used? Reason being we live near Skipton in North Yorkshire and the closest dealers are in Cleckheaton and Leeds.
So far my Aquatex treated 04S bellows are keeping the leaks out, but if I do need to get them changed, any feedback on the Cleckheaton or Leeds Van Centres would be helpful.

Not too far away from me. I took the van to Leeds and it was the first time I’ve been there. Also had a couple of other warranty jobs done at the same time with no hassle - rear air con unit and the engine warning light had come on intermittently.

Cleckheaton and Leeds are part of JCT600 so my assumption is that the same technician would fit the bellows, though the test was done by the team at the dealership. Leeds said they needed to book their California technician to do the work, hence the assumption. A few pages back I think someone mentioned having the bellows replaced at the JCT600 in Hull too.

Maybe it’s worth seeing how the diagnostic process goes anyway. They said they did the test…whether they actually did or not is another matter! Probably decent work for the dealership to just get it done.

 

[Cavvy]

Cavvy did VW Liverpool insist on a leak test or did you just provide video photos of the leak I am in the same position as you were in with 04S leaking and bought from Liverpool

Yes they were happy for me to provide photos and no need for leak test, hope you get sorted ok, they were very good as you would expect given the scenario