How to Service a Sun Roof in a VW Beetle

If you properly maintain your VW Beetle's sun roof, you can enjoy the open air in good weather and eliminate leaks and squeaks. VW issued a technical service bulletin for the 2000 Beetle sun roof assembly. There is also a bulletin for the 1999 Beetle to correct the sun roof slides. Contact your dealer if you experience difficulties with your sun roof.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Plastic scraper seal
• Rustoleum
• New rubber seal
• Level
• Compressed air
• 3-In-One Lubricant
• Lint free cloth

Instructions

Replace the Gasket

1. Take down the inside trim work and the headliner inside your VW Beetle.

2. Unfasten the clamps, bolts and screws that secure the sun roof to the car. If your sun roof is electric, unplug the power source from the rear of the sun roof.

3. Remove the sun roof from the VW Beetle. Ask for help, so you don't damage either the sun roof or the car.

4. Pull the rubber seal out of its channel. Make sure you remove all the rubber and any adhesive that may remain in the channel. Paint the channel with Rustoleum if you find any corrosion underneath.

5. Position the new rubber seal in the channel, starting with the outer lip first and moving to the inner lip. Inspect the seal for wrinkles or bulges. Where you see them, remove the seal and install it again. Continue with this process until the seal is smooth and even inside the channel.

6. Seat your sun roof on top of the new seal and replace the screws, checking to make sure the sun roof remains level as you do so. Plug in the power source once the sun roof is secured. Install the headliner cloth, then the trim molding, to complete this repair.

Maintain Your Sun Roof

1. Inspect the exterior of your sun roof on a monthly basis. Look to make sure it's evenly seated, not lifting at one corner. Lifting indicates it's time to clean and lubricate the tracks.

2. Access the tracks and seals of your VW Beetle's sun roof by removing the interior trim and letting the roof cover drop. You don't need to completely remove it, just let it hang. Use compressed air to remove debris, then lubricate the tracks with 3-In-One Lubricant.

3. Check the drain tubes of your VW Beetle. Two drain to the front of your vehicle, typically beneath the fenders. The other two drain to the rear of your vehicle, usually behind your tail lights. Use compressed air to blow out any debris, dust or clogs.

4. Lubricate and clean your rubber gasket. Wipe it off with a clean rag, then use the lubricant outlined in your owner's manual. If your seal shows signs of excessive wear, replace it so your sun roof doesn't leak.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use WD-40 to lubricate the tracks on your sun roof, as it's water based and will cause damage and leaking.