T4 California (1991) sliding door seal - wrong type?

[ajdowson]

Hi I replaced my sliding door seal - but I suspect with a standard T4 seal and the door sits proud.

I've read somewhere I think that the california (and maybe caravelle) actually has a different seal - is that correct?

Grateful to know if others know that is true - and any links to the right seal for sale appreciated. I'd like to see how the profile differs - to see if I can modify the one I have quickly whilst finding a new one.

Cheers

 

[sidepod]

Post a pic of exactly where/what you think is wrong and I’ll check it against mine although mine is a 2003.

 

[ajdowson]

Hi - many thanks for reply - it looks like this:

https://www.corseal.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/t4v_png.webp?v=1743069418

And seems very bulky - perhaps to bulky - the door sits flush without the seal in place but is not flush with the seal fitted. Maybe the trims of a caravelle or california need a slimmer seal?

I'm almost tempted to cut the inside part of the outer tube and see if it squashes more easily.

I'll try and take an actual photo

 

[ajdowson]

Found this with someone else struggling with the fit. With the seal removed my door fits well in terms of being flush and aligned with the body - but is obviously not sealed and has some rattle room.

https://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/threads/why-wont-my-slide-door-seal-fit-please-help.1640587/

 

[sidepod]

Ok I checked mine and it’s pretty much identical to the dimensions above.

Thinking about this, I would check your door rollers and bearings for free play.
If there is play in the rollers then the new seal will just take up the play and the door will sit proud.

If there is rollers are good and tight then the door will compress the seal fully and sit flush.

 

[ajdowson]

I've completely cleaned the rear latch which was the main issue it seems in it not latching and it now works smoothly again - refitted the seal but still feels 2mm proud. Good point on the rollers - I'll take another look.

I've discovered the door stop to keep the door open was jammed - really need a new one but managed to free it so it works again. They seem rare new, mainly used for sale.