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MG MGF Technical - Header Seal

Hi Guys,

I have just had my 72000 miles serveice (only done 57000), and the garage have recommended getting the header seal changed to rectify leaks by the front of the passenger window. They have quoted £30 for the part but want a hell of alot more for doing it.

At a stab I would guess the header seal is the rubber strip you can see along the top of the windscreen when the roof is off. Is this right and how much of a job is it to change ?

Going on my assumption above I have looked at 11th May - Windscreen trim on sfforever. Will I be able to get the side trim out without removing the main dash ?

Cheers
Jeff - 1998VVC R380ODG
J Newman

Jeff, the time to fit a new header is less than an hour, however to adjust the door glasses to fit correctly, which may or may not need doing, might take another 1-2 hours, all in costs should be between 80-120 squids plus gov. bit.
HTH.
Mike.
mike

Mgr did mine for £80 but make sure they put the latest version of the seal on, it has holes at the bottom of the door.

Gary
Gazza

Jeff,

I changed all my seals last year and it's not difficult. I agree with Mike & Gary's comments.
correct.

Go to www.apttony.co.uk where there is a page devoted to the seals and window adjustment

Regards
Tony
Tony Thompson

you might have problem changing it yourself, mgr have come up with a new design (small plastic studs instead of the sticky pads) and some drilling will be involved. VERY expensive if you get it wrong!!!!!
colin

There are a variety of designs available from MGR - so which one you go for depends on your car, and how much work you want to do in fitting it.

I think I'd avoid the TF header seal, on the basis of the additional complication that Colin alludes to.

However, the job is pretty simple - see Tony's site for instructions - http://www.apttony.co.uk/Servicing/Servicing2.html - so do it yourself, and save a packet.

HOWEVER

Before replacing, ask WHY it is that the garage think that your A-post/header rail seals need replacing, and WHETHER replacing them will make the slightest bit of difference.

Most leaks between the side glass and windscreen A-pillar are due to window misalignment (as Mike mentions in his post above). Deteriorated seals certainly contribute - but are not the primary cause.

Why have your windows become misaligned? Commonest reason is that the window stops have failed. The next commonest reason is that the window alignment was not correctly reset after the window stops were replaced.

So check the window alignment first. Both Dieter's and Tony's sites have information covering the adjustment procedure. Time consuming, but within the abilities of the average DIY'er.
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 28/06/2003 and 01/07/2003

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