S70 moonroof doesn't close tight

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Apr 2006, 10:01

Do you mean the plastic moon shaped pieces that are suppose to go in the front corners under the weather strip? I forgot about them and didn't reinstall them. Supposedly they are to keep the sunroof from blowing out of the car if you have it open during high speeds, but with the entire SR bolted in, I don't see how that is possibe anyway.

Matthew, maybe this stuff should be in the data base. It is a very extensive repair (though not difficult)...takes all day really and actually, you should let the rust converter dry at least over-night before trying to paint or glue it (instructions say 24 hours), so it's a weekend project if you want to do it right. I used the 3M super weather strip adhesive for both the ends of the weather stripping as well as gluing the 2 separated parts of the metal frame together (after getting rid of as much rust as I could and using converter on the rest). This was after much consultation with folks at AutoZone. They said the 3M stuff was great, so I took their word for it. Maybe I should have used something else...I don't know. Anyway, you put the 3M stuff on 2 surfaces, let them semi-dry and then mate the surfaces. AFter this I couldn't pull the 2 sides apart and the adhesive didn't seem to me to be very thick to increase the total thickness of the SR with the frame.

Matthew, in regards to your rust, it appears VERY severe. I'm not sure if there is enough of a "real lip" left on the metal frame that's attached to the glass to effectively get the rubber weather strip to stay. You won't really know until you take it all apart again and try to replace the weather stripping with a new one (fcpgroton has them for about $50). I guess if you don't want to go through the repair, you could order a used sunroof from www.erievovo.com off of one of their salvage vehicles they have, but even these are apt to have some rust (I'm just speculating). Don't know what it would cost. I understand a brand new one is very expensive.

If you want me to collect all of the parts together for a write-up, let me know. I don't actually have any pictures of the repair itself (should have taken them, but do have pictures from you, another guy, etc. of the extent of rust) but do have descriptions of it.

Post by **mom** » 05 Apr 2006, 10:26

Yes that's what I was talking about MIJ.

Here's Matthew's pic with some explanations.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Apr 2006, 10:56

Decent temporary fix, but eventually water still finds its way in. I did that too but it didn't last. Further rusting occurs and eventually you have to deal with it...I say better sooner than later, before the "lip" that holds the rubber gasket on is no more and you can't get a rubber gasket to stay at all. Just my $.02, and from experience, I think it's not wise to let it go too long.

That's why taking the SR out, detaching the metal from the glass, getting rid of the rust and sealing the metal frame back onto the glass so there is no more way for water to get in between the glass and frame, and then attaching a new rubber weather strip piece around what you've sealed up tight is the best fix....either that or a new or used SR in good shape.

Post by **mom** » 05 Apr 2006, 11:29

I don't understand how you can separate the frame in two parts as it is glued on the glass.

Alain.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 05 Apr 2006, 14:29

Don't worry...if you get down that far, you'll see. Granted, mine didn't separate completely. It's as if 2 pieces are welded together at a seam over the glass and the seam comes apart due to rust getting in that area...then the area up against the glass on both sides rust, and in some cases rusts very very badly. You can't see any of this until you take the weather stripping off and then you'll see the seam and the separation and the rust between them. The separation begins at the front of the SR glass.

Post by **mom** » 05 Apr 2006, 14:44

Ok, I removed the weather strip to paint the frame and it wasn't that bad, that's why I didn't see the parts separated.My frame is completely covered of urethane(windshield stuff)so it will never rust again.It is a very good job we don't see any sealant on the edge of the glass.I'll try to take some pics soon.

Post by **matthew1** » 05 Apr 2006, 23:04

MadeInJapan wrote:Matthew, maybe this stuff should be in the data base.

Done. You're right, this thread has good info in it.

Lynn · Post by **Lynn** » 10 Apr 2006, 02:26

And since I started the thread with a question, thought I'd give my outcome. The dealer said my particular case was a simple adjustment. When the roof opens by sliding, it wasn't quite closing all the way (not visible) and therefore when it was opened by angling, it wasn't in the exact right position to close snugly. However, he did imply that it may or may not last this way and eventually may need repair.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Apr 2006, 22:12

Sorry we took your thread way off topic. Glad it was just an adjustment for your sake. But if you start to leak, you should come back and review what was written. Have fun and keep Volvoing!

Lynn · Post by **Lynn** » 15 Apr 2006, 02:46

Thanks MIJ. Will do. Have a good one...