ajb911

A minor matter but some advice needed please.

The rubber strip on the roof line has collapsed on 2 small areas (see images) on both the drivers side and passenger side.

I have not attached any roof rails and I am a little perplexed as to how this could have occurred.

On inspection, there does not appear to be any support under the rubber in the channels.

I bought the car 2 months ago from an official Porsche Centre who went to great lengths to prepare the car before collection.

Perhaps these rubbers were replaced as part of the preparation process and there may not have been enough adhesive applied to the areas in question.

Has anyone come across this issue before and is it an easy fix?

Apart from this minor niggle the car is perfect. It just looks a little unsightly on an otherwise immaculate 997.

I look forward to receiving any feedback and will naturally be talking to the dealer.

Many thanks,

Alan

saabin

I had the same issue on my Cayman I bought back in 2009. The local dealer twice tried to "fix" it - although I was never completely satisfied. I was kinda worried about that the more they messed with it the more chance something else might get screwed up. I think they lifted the rubber out somewhat, but I think the true "fix" would be to replace the rubber strip completely.

Mumbles

Try a smooth plastic scraper and gently lift not pry. Try to lift the rubber seal a little higher then gently re-align. The rubber seal should settle , or try gently going over it with a hair drier .

okbarnett

I would replace them, they probibly dont cost much

ajb911

Thanks to all for your feedback.

I think a replacement is the best answer and as stated the cost will be nominal for a better result.

Alan

cairo94507

Is it possible to tape the paint off with some painter's tape (for protection) and use a pair of tweezers to grab the rubber and gently lift it up?

fskof

I wonder if you applied something like 303 if it would make the rubber more flexible then after a few days then try to pull it out? The hair dryer would work but you dont want to over heat it. You also could try using a credit card. Its plastic and would not damage anything.

If the car is still under warranty then I would just have the dealer replace it to no charge to you

alpine-al

My roof gaskets have similar issues. I hadn't given it much thought until I read your post (although a concourse judge did take a point off my score for it).

The gasket is part number 99755972101 (left side) and 99755972201 (right side). It costs $33 to $40 online.

It is #6 in the pic below.

hockenheimr

I had some oil leak on my 997 over the winter from parking the car under my 964 with no engine. The rubber seals appear to have expanded with the oil and look out of place. Has anyone ever changed these? or is this a dealer job?

Thanks

semicycler

Snaps in place with 5 clips on each side, use a plastic trim pry bar. Be careful with the pry bar to not bend the metal strip. It's paint matched to your car. A replacement comes primed. Any bends/dents mean a trip to your local auto body paint shop. It's not difficult, just be gentle. Here's the full procedure from the workshop manual:

hockenheimr

That's awesome! Thanks

dasdman

I will be curious to know if you decide to purchase new and replace them. Mine are both the same and I kind of forgot about it until seeing your post.

hockenheimr

I did it, and it was pretty easy However, I broke every one of those clips (#9 in the diagram above) that hold the little roof rack access doors. No biggie, I still used them again but if you buy the rubbers then might as well buy 4 of those and do it properly.

Daohaus

i had a similar thing happen and pulled it up and applied some rubber/plastic conditioner on it and it's settled nicely.

myw

to the OP, this is all that you need to do. once lifted it will settle back to 'perfect'. you won't even need painters tape as long as you are careful.

i think i use a small key to lift the rubber back out…. it will re-shape itself.