• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

what to clean rubber seals with

AvyInTheVille

Full Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2010
Messages
15
Location
Kentucky
Hey all,

New Avy owner here.  I took my bed cover off last night after picking up my first Avy and noticed mulch at the front edge under panel #1.  Great detailing job by the dealer selling it huh.  Anyway, I swept out the mulch and hosed out the bed.  When taking off the panels, I thought I should treat the seals around them.  What should I use to do that?

Also, I noticed the rubber seal at the bottom of the tailgate when it is open is not attached to the metal of the bed and dangles.  Shouldn't it be attached?  If so, what can I reattach it with?

TIA

Greg
 
The seals on the covers I clean them with simple green and warm water. I also use the non oily version of armor all when I put them back on the covers.
As for the seal around the tailgate I have NEVER been able to keep my on. Everytime I open my tailgate i put it back on but it wont stay on.

Jake
 
I'd recommend using a silicone spray on any of the rubber seals on the truck. I personally use Liquid Wrench Silicone Spray.

For the rubber seal that's coming off you can do one of two things. One would be to use an automotive trim adhesive (eg. 3M Super Weatherstrip & Gasket Adhesive -- this stuff is STRONG! when it's fully dry) or you could use a generic sealant from the hardware store.

Also, I removed the rubber trim from my bed panels, applied my own sealant, and added the trim back. I was having water get through the panels. Since then not a drop of water has gotten in and the trim stays on solid. I used General Electric's Silicon II Sealant (Window & Doors) to do all that.
 
Rubber seals:
Clean with mild detergent (409 or like)
Dry
Apply 303 type product or Gummi Phledge from BMW
 
AvyInTheVille said:
Also, I noticed the rubber seal at the bottom of the tailgate when it is open is not attached to the metal of the bed and dangles.  Shouldn't it be attached?  If so, what can I reattach it with?

TIA

Greg

I just used a good adhesive caulk. Apply a bead of it into the area of the seal that attaches to the pinch weld on the truck, attach it back, close the tailgate, and let it sit for a couple of days for the caulk to cure. Mine's never come off again since I did this about 4 years ago.
 
I'd recommend using a silicone spray on any of the rubber seals on the truck. I personally use Liquid Wrench Silicone Spray.

For the rubber seal that's coming off you can do one of two things. One would be to use an automotive trim adhesive (eg. 3M Super Weatherstrip & Gasket Adhesive -- this stuff is STRONG! when it's fully dry) or you could use a generic sealant from the hardware store.

Also, I removed the rubber trim from my bed panels, applied my own sealant, and added the trim back. I was having water get through the panels. Since then not a drop of water has gotten in and the trim stays on solid. I used General Electric's Silicon II Sealant (Window & Doors) to do all that.

Thanks for the tip on the trim adhesive. My tailgate gasket has been such as hassle. Also my rear window gasket. I ordered the trim adhesive on Amazon for a little under $9 (with subscribe and save - I will then cancel subscription!)

And I agree with YGMN on the Gummi Phledge from BMW. I used it on my 2003 once a year for 15 years, and it kept the seals like new.
 
Weatherstripping can be cleaned with glass cleaner, and then if you really wanted lubed with weatherstripping specific lube.
 
Back
Top