idealcheese

I got Stabilus struts from FCP for my 06 whose hatch was trying to murder me daily. Just the hatch struts, not the window ones, as the window holds up fine. In retrospect, I should have replaced them all while I was in there but it’s too late now. So these foam “deformable elements” that seal in the strut compartment are a b*tch to remove because they have so much messy sticky sealant around them. I definitely should have either bought a new pair with adhesive pre-installed, or had new adhesive on hand. On the right side I just used the residual adhesive to jam it back as best I could. Then after I finished the left side and put all of the panels back on (also a b*tch), I went to clean up and found the left deformable element sitting there alongside my tools. I had just fought for my life to get the panels back on and was in no mood to undo them all, so I just pried them open and sort of slid the element roughly into place. I wasn’t able to press it up to make it seal at all.

My question is: does anybody know what the real risk is if I don’t go back in there and fix the left seal? I struggle to see how water could enter from below.

phatz

For sure
They alleviate the staining of your headliner ...channeling the water that makes it way in from above

idealcheese

@phatz Ah, I see. Looks like I will be taking those panels back off after all! Thanks.

Edit: Does anybody know what those part numbers are?

19psi

If anything, they'll keep oil from ruining your headliner when the struts eventually leak (like mine did).
I always thought they were to stop sound harmonics in that open cavity. I recently removed my headliner to have it reupholstered and there was nowhere for water to enter the roof cavity, although sunroof cars may be far different.

phatz

Yes several
https://www.google.com/search?q=rear...-957-2003-2010

Malibu955

Since you're going to have to go back in to replace the foam blocks, swap out the glass struts at the same time. Those struts help hold the hatch up as well.

phatz

are they not just along for the ride?

Malibu955

Buncha freeloaders...

idealcheese

@Malibu955 You are right that I should do this, but I have a heated garage at my disposal today and tomorrow and don't have time to wait to order parts. Decided to permatex the old baffles instead.

phatz

Sell it before the replacements fail in 3 years