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Garage => Interiors & Exteriors => Topic started by: raueda1 on 09 February 2023, 05:43 PM

Title: Door seals and wind noise
Post by: raueda1 on 09 February 2023, 05:43 PM
I replaced my door seals last year.  They look better but don't really seal better.  Wind noise is about the same, which is loud at highway speed.  I know, modern cars are quieter, but still.  The doors seem to be well aligned. Window tracks and brushes are all in pretty good shape.

Anyway, in searching around I found references to "door runs" or something like that.  These seem to be some kind of seal on the chassis side of the door that the door would close against.  I've never heard of this kind of seal on a W116 and my car has no evidence of these.  Anybody know about these mysterious extra seals?  Thanks and cheers,

edit:
ps - I browsed around looking at doors of later models, W123, W124 etc and all seem to have same basic design as w116.  That is, just the seal around the door.
Title: Re: Door seals and wind noise
Post by: rumb on 09 February 2023, 07:25 PM
There are cloth covered channel/strips about 1" on front and rear edge of both door opening. They are usually colored the same as the interior.


I actually found some NOS black ones recently.  116-727-09-51  I bought all they had.

https://www.mercedespartz.com/store/1167270951-2/

Maybe move your jamb latch a mm tighter?
Title: Re: Door seals and wind noise
Post by: raueda1 on 10 February 2023, 08:44 AM
Quote from: rumb on 09 February 2023, 07:25 PMThere are cloth covered channel/strips about 1" on front and rear edge of both door opening. They are usually colored the same as the interior.


I actually found some NOS black ones recently.  116-727-09-51  I bought all they had.

https://www.mercedespartz.com/store/1167270951-2/

Maybe move your jamb latch a mm tighter?

Thanks Robert.  I didn't know that those pieces contributed.  In any case they're in pretty good shape and I replaced the "socks" a few years ago (courtesy of our old friend Scott squiggledog, RIP).  In any case I'll try slightly tighter door adjustment.  1 mm wouldn't be very visible and might help.  Trouble is, it's often so hard to know what the target is since few (or none!) of us has experienced a new car.  I may be OK and just not know it!  Cheers,
Title: Re: Door seals and wind noise
Post by: tcj on 10 February 2023, 01:58 PM
why not tape the gap around the doors, as well as all other gaps and also the edges at transitions to trim (especially the chrome strip in the windshield seal).
Keep doing this until the car is quiet.
Then remove the tapes piece by piece and whenever noises appear, follow them up.
Sunroof?
Title: Re: Door seals and wind noise
Post by: rumb on 10 February 2023, 04:40 PM
I was wondering if a sound decibel meter on your phone could be used by passenger to find noise spots. Much more scientific measurable approach.

How would you classify the noise? Tires/ road, wind, engine/exhaust or general sound level?

The doors have a patch of sound material, would adding more help? Anyone out there used dynomat or similar to cut noise and heat out?
Title: Re: Door seals and wind noise
Post by: ptashek on 10 February 2023, 09:37 PM
The W116 is poorly noise insulated. It's a loosing battle. Most of it is coming through the upper door edge and A-pillar. New seals don't solve the problem. It's just like that from factory.

Title: Re: Door seals and wind noise
Post by: Randys01 on 11 February 2023, 02:30 AM
yes  it seems to be so. sometimes one side more than the other.
Try placing a piece of paper between the door and the A pillar and get  a feel for the crush. Try it again on some other section of the door. if it is noticeably weaker different around the A pillar then try  bending the window frame a gnat's whisker. 
Before doing any of this ensure that you door striker is adjusted fully shut.
Title: Re: Door seals and wind noise
Post by: raueda1 on 11 February 2023, 07:51 PM
Quote from: ptashek on 10 February 2023, 09:37 PMThe W116 is poorly noise insulated. It's a loosing battle. Most of it is coming through the upper door edge and A-pillar. New seals don't solve the problem. It's just like that from factory.
Thanks to all!  No sunroof (thank god).  The above is certainly where it seems noisiest.  I'll try the suggestions to gain better insights but I don't have high hopes.  Anyway, sometime over the next few months I'll be moving back east where it's impossible to drive 85 or 90 mph for hours on end.  Just dropping down to 65 makes a BIG difference.  Cheers,