Leaky Sliders - to replace or not?

[Ryedale]

I know the issue of leaky sliding windows is nothing new - I've been through a few threads so apologies if I'm repeating things. Having just got the van the windows look to be pretty tidy compared to some I've seen, but after a light shower yesterday it was clear that they are going to leak. I suspect because the previous owner kept the van under cover they've had a bit more of an easy life.

Question - how many people still have the OEM sliders in their vans and either live with the problem or have found good ways to mitigate / fix the issue? I'm heavily leaning towards getting them replaced at the same time as I get it carpeted out (safari to drivers side / fixed pane to sliding door), but a) it's more money and b) if there wasn't water coming in when it rains the current windows look pristine so it just feels a bit wrong having to take them out.

I know that long term I'll regret not doing it if it fouls up the interior (especially with what our wonderful weather can be like), just want to explore all the options before I dive in.

Cheers.

 

[Bav]

I have 2x OEM sliding windows on my Jan '23 registered Kombi-to-camper conversion. Had the van from new and it's always parked out in the elements. I'm probably tempting fate to say this out loud, but I've not had a problem with leaks.

The van is parked on a slight incline, nose down, and I think I've read on here that that helps avoid leaks(?), but, other than that, I guess it's just been blind luck.

 

[ChestnutBrown]

Got my 2017 T6 a couple of months back. Found out that the OEM sliders had clearly been leaking, and that the owner had sealed them up, just as I was finalising the deal. He said he was unaware, but knew the replacement cost straight away, although gave me the window replacement cost off the price so I rolled with it.

Anyway, I am torn too, as I essentially have fixed windows now and so seems like a waste to replace with actual fixed glass just in case.

I am very tempted by a pair of safari’s instead though, as they would be useful when parked and feel like it was worth the money more then.

 

[Sasquatch]

Got my 2017 T6 a couple of months back. Found out that the OEM sliders had clearly been leaking, and that the owner had sealed them up, just as I was finalising the deal. He said he was unaware, but knew the replacement cost straight away, although gave me the window replacement cost off the price so I rolled with it.

You're brave. I'd have waved him adios - if he's obviously tried to conceal that, then what else might he have kept schtum about?

 

[ChestnutBrown]

Dupe.

 

[ChestnutBrown]

You're brave. I'd have waved him adios - if he's obviously tried to conceal that, then what else might he have kept schtum about?

I might be way off the mark, in fairness, but I am dubious about that bit. He had the van for around a year and was from main dealer before that. Personal reasons for sale, which checked out though. Everything else seems fine tbh.

I hear you though, I did have to think hard for a few days. Two thorough viewings and test drives too. Brand new MOT done, full checks online, etc.

No other vans have turned up since that I would have bought with my criteria either. I did check for a few weeks. I

 

[Ruby16]

If I had a choice from new I would have non-sliding windows. However, I have found a fairly straight forward fix that has lasted over 2 years so far.
When the van was 1 year old the N/S slider started to leak. The dealer replaced it and there have been no issues since.
After the van was just out of warranty the O/S slider started to leak, and, like you I Googled the problem until I got fed up. So I decided to look at the seals and the drainage system. To do this I carefully removed the piece of glass that opens. This exposes the drainage slot that you can't see. The system has 2 slots and a circular hole at the front. Use a thin piece of plastic to clean out these slots, don't use metal as you could scratch the paintwork underneath. Then use a syringe with a piece of tube fixed to it to purge the round hole using water. Thoroughly clean the seals with soapy water then very carefully replace the glass.
Always try to park nose down otherwise any water leak will not reach the round drain hole.
One last thing "don't open the windows".
Unfortunately the seals are too flimsy to prevent leaks, the secret is to ensure the drainage system remains free from blockages.
Hope this helps.

 

[ChestnutBrown]

I would have given that a try, had the previous guy not sealed mine shut. Doh!

 

[T6Ollie]

I have 2x OEM sliding windows on my Jan '23 registered Kombi-to-camper conversion. Had the van from new and it's always parked out in the elements. I'm probably tempting fate to say this out loud, but I've not had a problem with leaks.

The van is parked on a slight incline, nose down, and I think I've read on here that that helps avoid leaks(?), but, other than that, I guess it's just been blind luck.

My '21 plate kombi is parked nose down and both sides leak it's not like it's flowing in but enough to ruin any carpet eventually.

 

[keith baker]

My 2017 Kombi had a leaking o/s window. Removed it and found rust had forced the seal away.
Just replaced the glass with OEM unit for about £230 from VW. It's a 30 minute job to remove and replace.
Fingers crossed for a few more years.

 

[Paynewright]

My 2017 Kombi had a leaking o/s window. Removed it and found rust had forced the seal away.
Just replaced the glass with OEM unit for about £230 from VW. It's a 30 minute job to remove and replace.
Fingers crossed for a few more years.

how did you remove the existing glass with all the trim / sliding mechanism etc so close to the aperture?

I have a couple of OEM plain glass units to go in and pondering how I get the old ones out without using a centre punch!

 

[keith baker]

I used this guide: Leaking Kombi Windows? How-to guide to resolve.
The glass came with all the covers and sliding mechanism, so just a remove and replace.

 

[Ryedale]

I used this guide: Leaking Kombi Windows? How-to guide to resolve.
The glass came with all the covers and sliding mechanism, so just a remove and replace.

Thanks - that's just the thing I was trying to find. On reading that my two takeaways are:

- I can clean out the drain holes but the design is crap and I'll just end up having to do it again at some point (and if I don't notice future leaks straight away I risk damage to the interior).
- Even if that sorts it, there looks to be no end of other things that can go wrong / de-bond in this system that I may end up having to fight with in the future and that I won't be able to easily fix.

If anything that thread has convinced me that for £600-odd I'm better off just sucking it up and getting them done now and it's one less thing to worry about in the future (+ I get a safari window which I'd much prefer).

 

[Ryedale]

Thanks all - that's really helpful. Quite how VW got away with fitting these for so long (or didn't feel like perhaps they should be coming up with a better design) I'll never know.