My rear sliding window wont lock. It needs another quarter inch or so. Anybody have this problem? I think the weather stripping has shrank.

 

Hair dryer.

:wabbit2:

 

x2 on the hair dryer.

I had this problem too and I just had to muscle mine closed. I've heard several people speak against putting petroleum jelly on rubber parts but I think I'm going to try it on mine. It isn't a good idea to put it on most gaskets because the petroleum jelly weakens the rubber and makes it swell. I tested it on a spare set of topper windows I have and it only seemed to help so I guess I'll just have to see what happens. Other things I've heard people doing to bring back old weather stripping is to put a little dielectric grease on it.

Only other option is to replace the weather stripping but I can't seem to find the stuff anywhere!

 

Silicone spary works also to lube up the seals and won't harm the rubber. It drys so it won't atract dirt, etc.

 

I like using the silicone spray on my window channels to help them move smoother and easier but it doesn't really bring back the shiny black luster nor does it help soften/stretch the rubber when it has shrank down. I wish someone had a product specifically made for refurbishing rubber weather stripping!

 

A very loong time ago, I've heard of Glycerin used to treat rubber. GOogled it.

Wouldn't hurt. It's probably the most benign of all substances mentioned above.