LR-NA and the Sunrrof glass seal problem

[Mark]

Sunroofs.

I would like to be able to purchase a *new* glass seal for a Discovery I sunroof. So the first place I went (months ago) was to the LR dealer to inquire about the purchase. Since they did not have a part number listed, I was out of luck.

Months go by and I figured it may well be time to purchase the glass seal. So rather than go back to LR-Dealer, I fired off an email to LR-North America.

Well, why should I expect that LR-NA would have the part number, because they did not have one listed. Duh! Where do you think the dealers get their information from?



I am asking the members of this forum the same question: How does somebody purchase a glass seal from Land Rover?



The next part of this POST.

If I cannot get a glass seal for the sunroof, does anybody have experience at refurbishing the rubber to restore the seal. I have been chasing a leak and have come to the conclusion the water is getting past the rubber (wet fingers) somehow and forming a tiny leak. OR the front windshield rubber at the top has gone bad and I was told the only way to get that seal was with a new windshield, maybe?

My complaint to LR-NA is this: There are some items that need to be replaced and LR-NA must open up a supply line to provide the small things, like rubber seals; plus those things that need popped out to access behind the panels; foot sills for the drivers doors that have been broken over the years; and other degradable items, especially rubber or plastic in form.

 

[disco1]

The discovery that you own does not have a rubber glass seal, which is why none of the dealers can help you. The components that make up your sunroof from top to bottom is:- glass panel, Upper frame assembly, Clamping frame assembly, drain tube, and the edging trim (this not the rubber seal)which goes around the base of the assembly and is attached to the roof lining. If you are experiencing water ingress, the drain is probably still blocked. Blow compressed air through it, then pour some water down it and observe if it runs out under the truck.
Let's know how you make out.

 

[Mark]

Okay. The rubber material the glass rests on in the closed position is not supposed to be there?

I will post a picture this afternoon of the glass seal that fills a channel 360 degrees inside the upper frame assembly.

 

[disco1]

That would be good. If I can isolate the exact item, I can get a friend of mine who is a LR parts specialist to find the part number (if it's a separate item). Since I'm in Australia, I still believe the part number would be universal.

 

[joey]

The problem is the seal is part of the frame assymbly... you have to buy it all to get it.

Best way to fix if this is your issue, go to your local windscreen/sun roof installer and have them install a generic seal. The odds are that it is one of the screws holding the glass is loose, the drain tubes, or a leak from the windscreen. Of couse the the installer may be able to fix this as well.

 

[Mark]

image of the seal.

This sits in a channel and the glass sets aginst it when closed...
Water sits against the passenger side and until I used belt dressing to make the rubber sticky, I could feel water seeping underneath.

 

[disco1]

The image you posted is called the "Upper frame assembly".

 

[Mark]

Thaaaank yo !!!.

Now for the $64,000 question I have posted to LR-NA.
Establish a part number and a supply line from somewhere and make available (formed and glued) to replace the rubber seal.

I think it is imprudent to buy a complete upper frame assembly just for a piece of fitted rubber.

This have been my beef with LR-NA and I may be getting the call from them tomorrow. The emails have made their way through the automated answering process.

When I have more information about this LR-NA issue, I will keep the forum post going.

 

[disco1]

I think it comes as a complete assembly. I'll check with my friend and get back to you. In the mean time, when you inspected it, did the rubber seal on the side that leaks, seem to be damaged in any way. If not, it could be that the screws holding it down to the clamping frame assembly may be loose, thereby, creating a gap between the rubber and the glass.

 

[Mark]

A week has gone by and no further word from LR-NA. I guess I amde them mad.
I did find out that the sunroofs *may* be the same as BMW's built during that time. My next quest will be to find a BMW dealer or enthusiast and maybe they have some information.

I guess I can wait until after hurricane season before I really need to replace the glass seal and just keep the rubber sticking to the glass with belt dressing...