Front Convertible Leaking Roof SL55.

[SRS]

When you find a good thing its worth sharing...

I have 2005 SL55, with all the niggles It has been one of my favourite cars.

For any of you suffering with a leaking roof onto the drivers chairs (Knees) this is what I use... I think the addition of Krytech softens the rubber seal. You don't need too much just squirt on, and rub into rubber. Leaks stop!! Well for a good few months.

Note: The boot seal is a different problem, and I don't work for finish line

Finish Line Krytech 120ml Lubricant Bottle - Bike chain

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome


Gummi-Pflege is the normal recommend treatment for the rubber seals. Not sure how a bike chain lube would affect the seals long term.

 

[SRS]

Thanks also useful to know, the first time it rained when I got the car the water came in, the faster I went the quicker it got through, I assume most convertibles of this age will do similar.

Ive had the car for 2 years now, and the rubber hasn't deteriorated this is the main ingredient that VW sell in their purpose made leak protector for rubber (I'm sure VW bottle is £40+ for 15mL)

 

[bembo449]

welcome , how nice of you to open up with a helpful tip

 

[LostKiwi]

Hi and welcome.
I don't think most convertibles of that age will leak (especially not MBs) as neither our 93 nor 02 ones do.

 

[flowrider]

My 2004 SL has never leaked from the roof but I do apply Gummi Pflege twice a year to all rubber seals.

 

[Philedge]

The stuff VW sell is Krytox, not Krytech. Theres probably a reason why for similar volumes one is £40+ and the other is £2

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome...interesting

 

[umblecumbuz]

Second for Krytox - but I also use ... wait for it ... glycerine during the winter months on the door seals. It stops them sticking when there is frost.
Hate that feeling of door rubbers pulling when you first open the door of a frost bitten car!

 

[SRS]

So Krytec has krytox in it...with other stuff. Thats why I originally gave it a try.

I started with "I've been using for 2 years and it works" thats why I posted it to help, if Gummi Pflege works thats also great and something I can also note so thanks, and if you want to spend the £40+ on Krytox from VW also great.

One common theme here is if its stops water coming in then all of the above are a small price to pay... some smaller than others, and cheaper than replacing the rubbers.

 

[LostKiwi]

Nice tip there.
Being a wax style lubricant it shouldn't go sticky either like some lubes do.
Looks to be a krytox/molybdenum/light oil mix with the oil designed to evaporate after application. Might give it a try on the 129.

 

[Philedge]

Interested in what Krytech is, I had a look on the Finish Line web site and theres no mention of Krytox being an ingredient on the site and the Krytech label seems to have been replaced with Ultra Clean. Whilst a dry chain lube may work well at sealing roof seals, and Im not suggesting it doesnt, I dont think we're comparing eggs with eggs.

 

[LostKiwi]

Interested in what Krytech is, I had a look on the Finish Line web site and theres no mention of Krytox being an ingredient on the site and the Krytech label seems to have been replaced with Ultra Clean. Whilst a dry chain lube may work well at sealing roof seals, and Im not suggesting it doesnt, I dont think we're comparing eggs with eggs.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/finish-line-krytech-wax-lube/rp-prod805

Then open the description.

 

[Philedge]

If you follow the chainreaction link youll find its out of stock and the label on the bottle no longer has Krytech on it. Probably more representative to read the manufacturers web info rather than a third party that may be out of date??

 

[LostKiwi]

The tip from the OP was about a product he found useful as opposed to whether it's available still or not.
If it has been superceded it's a shame but there will still likely be stocks of it about in smaller bike shops. I know that if I see some I'll pick up a bottle.

 

[Bay Leaf]

I've heard nothing bad about Krytox although it is expensive. It's interesting though that you mentioned buying it from VW. I've had a look on ebay and it's always the case. Does MB not sell it or is it cheaper from WV

 

[SRS]

Not sure the only reason I became aware of it is a family member was sold it for his leaking Vw EOS via Vw

 

[neeklaus]

My roof leaks at this point of contact on the driver's side, which causes droplets to fall behind the seat.

I have now applied a second 'massaging' of OEM Krytox and fingers are crossed that does the trick.

However today I discovered this little discrepancy between the points of contact on the driver's and passenger side. As you can see in the photo there is a tiny little bit of an opening where the roof sections meet, circled in yellow. At a glance it looks negligible but the difference is enough to (I think) let in small droplets of water.

It looks like this particular bit of seal on the driver's side has gotten slightly out of shape.

 

[neeklaus]

I hope I'm not speaking too soon again, but it has been raining all morning and I just went in the car.

It's bone dry inside where the leak was... hopefully that second application of Krytox is doing its job!!

 

[SRS]

You may need to reapply again mine holds out for a good while then drips again...

unfortunately I use 2 towels to catch the boot seal leak above the pump until I get around to fixing it, probably next summer