Sliding Window Seal Replacement Procedure?

[Nenw]

Who’s done this? I ordered up the run channel seals. But now I want to get ahead of things and start looking at How to actually do this before they arrive. Looking at the manual they show it with the window frame being removed from the vehicle. Is this going to be necessary? How do I get those sliders out of the frames and get new run channels put in?

 

[sk66]

I believe you have to pull the frames, disconnect the center vertical, and spread the frame a bit. IDT it can be done with the windows in place... pulling them isn't that involved from what I understand.
I have the other type of windows, so no direct experience with it.

 

[Nenw]

uhg totally not into pulling the frames out but it will make cleaning and painting them way easier. Thanks!

 

[Growlerbearnz]

Pulling the frames is super easy, you'll see. From inside remove the textured rubber trim strip, look for the (rusty) little metal clips that live under it (some of them will come off with the strip), and the window will usually just fall out.
Hmm. Maybe be prepared for that.
The window might have been sealed to the body, if so just warm the sealant up with a hairdryer or heat gun (carefully) and it'll soften and come off. The sealant is reusable as long as you don't get it too dirty, and warm it up before reinstallation. If the sealant is dry or failed, 3M 08509 sealant will do the same job.

 

[jwampler3012]

Reawakening an old post if only to add pertinent info to a direct spot...I am in the middle of thunderstorms that seem to be never-ending and am trying to replace the sliding window run channels. Ordered them up from Amayama and they look great, way better than my torn-up sets.

I have removed the textured rubber strip and the four metal clips...all seem to be in good condition. At this point, the window is still ironed in place. Seems to have black sticky stuff all around it. I just want to ask two questions..

1. Am I missing screws somewhere? I have seen mention of trim removal, though other posts don't mention it.
2. Is there a recommended temperature for my heat gun (goes up in increments of 10F) don't want to scorch anything haha. How long should I patiently wave the dryer around this entire window? Is the recommendation to attack with the heat gun from the inside or out?

Okay, I think that is all for this moment haha. I wish they had just fallen out for me!

 

[Nenw]

#1 there are no screws however there should be a few small clips that connect the body to the window. they are maybe 1/4" wide with teeth. They aren't much. These are located under the rubber window trim on the inside.

#2 surprised you had black sticky stuff. a double sided tape perhaps? 3 of us did our windows and that was the most of it and it barely held it in place. Unless you have something like the 3M strip caulking. Good luck with that stuff, that is a mess and tough to get off.

If it is the former I would just get a partner and try to push the frame out. you can probably get some plastic panel removal tools to pry from the inside. one person pries, one person is there to catch.

If you have to use heat I would recommend using low heat and keep the gun moving so you don't overdo it n one spot. You would just need to soften up whatever is behind. You also don't want to melt the window seal itself. So, Low heat, and stick to a section about a foot wide and just work it slowly, when it budges move on to the next. Heat guns usually work a lot faster than you think. i have a tendency of melting things bc I'm impatient.

When you go to put the seal back in, know that they are square and you will want to get the edges matched up and pressed into the bottom of the frame. otherwise you end of with things just smooshed in there and the windows will not slide easily. There is also a lip on the inside edge of the frame to help capture the new seal.

 

[jwampler3012]

Okay, this is helpful, I also tend to be impatient and when folks talk about them falling out I get that image of ease in my mind! I think it’s that 3M 8509 stuff that @Growlerbearnz recommended using as it’s sticky but did soften eventually where it had squeezed out a bit, but the window itself seems suctioned on there haha. I guess this will be a real exercise in patience for me.

 

[jwampler3012]

Okay, 7 hours later I have two of three switched out. I had to use all my plastic crowbars in various prying locations while hitting the sticky compound with the heat gun set to 550F. That made it just tacky enough for me to work a flat popsicle stick like device I found within arm’s reach in and scrap that stuff out enough to allow the pry tools to pop the window out. Hard to work the pry and the heat gun and the scrapers while worrying the mostly irreplaceable window might fall out onto the driveway. Luckily I was able to employ my 6 year old to talk to me the whole time and keep trying to grab scoops of the sticky black stuff to play with. I think I’ll grab a cider and flip the seat to have some maneuvering space for the final window.

Meanwhile my CRV has a locked up rear wheel I only noticed after jumping into it after my truck’s battery had gone dead due to me taking the door apart to get to a broken window regulator and leaving the latch unattached. The battery was discovered as we raced out the door late for an appt, but don’t worry, I was able to force the CRV down the driveway in order to jump the truck.
Anyways….back to sitting in the van with the heat gun set to an absurd temp on a hot summer day. So many projects, who needs to prioritize!