Thread: permanently seal stuck sunroof

yes another sunroof thread!

My 97 tdi 300 SE7 has powered sunroofs, the front one is stuck in the open position. I can move it fore and aft but it wont close down and seal (liberal use of the word seal!).

The local landy shop said they wont touch sunroofs anymore and just try and force it shut !

I tried to turn the hex key, couldnt do it by hand and the impact wrench rounded it off nicely.

Ive lubed and cleaned all the rails etc but it still wont close down.

I then removed the seals and cleaned them but am now having trouble refitting them, is there a trick to this or is this a sign they need replacing?

At this stage Id just like to seal it up permanently with sikkaflex or similar. I suspect motors and or seals may need replacing and Id prefer to just have it permanently closed and dry.

So my plan is

1. Unbolt glass from mechanism
2. remove by whatever means protruding brackets that held glass.
3. refit and or replace seals
4. Sikkaflex glass directly to seals/body

as you may have noticed I really have no idea what Im doing but Id apreciate any feedback on my suggested plan.

ie do the seals need to be glued to the sunroof assembly
will the old seals be ok? they dont look split or anything but the car has been ungaraged for the last 8 years.
would it be better to remove the entire sunroof
what do I need to do to be sure it wont leak afterwards!

thanks for any help!
btw this is just for the front sunroof, the rear one doesnt open but still manages to let water in.

Maurice

Originally Posted by mauricem

you had me going till I realised we are talking about a Disco being air tight
serioulsy though I was a bit worried about the lack of structural integrity and even body flex as we do a fair bit off road stuff and would probably try and tie it back to the roof somehow with the existing hardware if possible

At this stage Id be happy to get some advice on refitting the seals, is there a trick to getting them to stay in the channel or do they need gluing and clamping??

re the corro aerfoil dont worry Im considering it!

I am Serious, after taping up the rear flo-through vents and replacing some old door seals I have problems shutting the doors unless I leave a window down a bit, Regards Frank.