Leaking side window

[Yondo]

Hi all,

I'm currently dealing with a leaking left window, which I’ve read is a common issue in the VW California.

In an attempt to fix it, I successfully unblocked one of the two drainage channels. However, the second drain remains inaccessible as it's covered by the sliding window. How can I gain access to this drain?

What would be the best approach to fully resolve the leaking window problem?

 

[colintfcolintf]

i thought on mine i could access both drains, and the sliding window didn't block one.
have you done a "search" on here for "window drains" ?

 

[Yondo]

Yes, already looked at this and multiple mention that the second drain is under the sliding part of the window, so you cant reach.
Or there are other drains that i do not know off?

 

[Perfectos]

The sliding window can be removed with care, (you tube will throw up some videos )
you can then replace the plastic pins that are used to hold the window in the channel and act as a guide. (They become worn and flat on one face ) alternatively take the pin out , turn it over and re insert where it came from . Either plastic or metal replacement are available (tinternet)
Clean the window seal and lubricate with Silicone oil. Let the silicone sit on the rubber until it is absorbed by the rubber.(Gummi Pflege is an alternative, but it won't swell the rubber as much )

Obvs whilst the window is out ensure the drains run freely , then make It a twice a year check. (Spray some silicone into the drains and wipe it up as it spread below the window.

 

[Perfectos]

Have a read

Did they fix the leaky side window for the the 6.1?

I've searched for recent complaints of this but not turned any up - is it fixed? My T5 has the felt seal around the window and leaked, undetected until it had ruined the floor, interior trim and rusted the seat bases! I just sealed the gap with silicone in disgust and took the handle off...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Perfectos]

Here is the Vid (embedded in one of the links above)

 

[Steve_D]

Recently took my 22 Cali in for a dealer service; nearly £400.. then came the add ons; brake fluid £60, Haldex oil £130.. however the one that surprised me most was a side window clean and lube; £120! Now as I don’t have any leaks, I opted out of this, but now thinking maybe I shouldn’t have.

 

[Aubisque]

So...having researched this a lot of the last 24 hrs...
The window seals/rubbers are one thing, but the gaps around the sliding window means water will always get into the drainage channel with the two drain holes (one inaccessible without removing the window).
To ensure these are working as intended, both the channel to the exterior (under glass) needs to be clear and the soft mastic type sealant around the ‘pan’ shaped plastic part (as per pic) needs to be sealed. If this isn’t, then water drips inside instead of outside.
Lots of videos on YouTube of people sorting this on vans, because it’s relatively easy to dissemble the part that covers the pan shape part. And then just add a load of sealant which won’t be seen when put back together.
I can’t find anyone who has done this repair on a California with a kitchen, it’s harder as there is more trim to remove.
Has anyone done this fix on a California ?