Sunroof maintenance
Sunroof maintenance
Warm weather is upon us and that means it's time to crack open the sunroof. Is there anything I need to do maintenance wise to the sunroof and track? I've heard before to keep grease on the track; but not sure what type. I opened the sunroof the other day and cleaned all the dirt and grime from every nook and crany I could get to up there.
2003 Vibe base/moon&tune work commuter
Re: Sunroof maintenance
Other than regreasing properly, not really sure. You should be able to use a simple white lithium grease.
I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. - George Best
Re: Sunroof maintenance
I actually need to service the sunroofs on both our Vibes. I did it a couple years ago and it was super easy. I'm thinking of doing a how-to when I do it again.
I actually removed the sunroof glass from the vehicle. It's held in place with 4 torx screws (1 at each corner). It's easiest to remove when it's in the 'tilt' position. I cleaned the tracks and that whole area really well and sprayed CRC heavy duty silicone on the tracks (grease is too messy and ends up collecting too much dirt, etc.). Silicone works just as well and won't attract dirt or get all over the place. I actually sprayed a tiny amount of WD-40 under the rubber seal on the sunroof glass itself because the 2nd gens have problems with the sunroof glass frames rusting. We had the sunroof glass from both our Vibes replaced under warranty a couple years ago and I didn't want them to rust again, so I used the WD-40. I used the straw to spray it under the rubber seal and than I used a towel to remove the excess so it wasn't getting all over the place. I also applied some Mother's Interior Protectant to the outer part of the rubber seal to keep it from cracking. Than just re-install the sunroof glass in the vehicle and you're sunroof's all ready for summer!
I actually removed the sunroof glass from the vehicle. It's held in place with 4 torx screws (1 at each corner). It's easiest to remove when it's in the 'tilt' position. I cleaned the tracks and that whole area really well and sprayed CRC heavy duty silicone on the tracks (grease is too messy and ends up collecting too much dirt, etc.). Silicone works just as well and won't attract dirt or get all over the place. I actually sprayed a tiny amount of WD-40 under the rubber seal on the sunroof glass itself because the 2nd gens have problems with the sunroof glass frames rusting. We had the sunroof glass from both our Vibes replaced under warranty a couple years ago and I didn't want them to rust again, so I used the WD-40. I used the straw to spray it under the rubber seal and than I used a towel to remove the excess so it wasn't getting all over the place. I also applied some Mother's Interior Protectant to the outer part of the rubber seal to keep it from cracking. Than just re-install the sunroof glass in the vehicle and you're sunroof's all ready for summer!
Re: Sunroof maintenance
I'm not so sure the sunroof is the same on the first gen. Either way, neither one of them are that complicated to deal with.
As far as lubricant goes, silicone based lubricant compared to white lithium grease:
Though great for a 'sliding' lube (it's super slick and I love using it in certain situations), silicone based lubricant actually attracts dust just like grease. It also has a tendency to slowly spread into other areas and is also highly carcinogenic. It also contaminates anything around you spray. Once a surface is sprayed with it, it may NEVER be painted properly again. So, if you use it, be sure to tape everything else off properly.
Lithium, imo and many others, is still one of the best all around for this. The lithium grease, when applied properly, is not messy. They even make a spray can with straw like wd40, etc, though I would steer away from spray grease except in situations where there is just no way to do it manually. Grease also cushions parts which is why it's generally the choice for high-load moving parts like bearing, gears, etc. And unlike oil, which tends to seep away, grease stays in place and lasts much longer. You can use a marine grease if you're super worried about rust. Like any grease, it does attract dust and (removed), too.
Now, my personal choice when I don't have a tube of lithium grease someone gave me for free would be a good synthetic grease. I've been considering garage door spray lubricant as well since it's specifically made not to attract too much dust and is made to penetrate but not so sure if that'd be the best for a sliding sunroof.
As far as lubricant goes, silicone based lubricant compared to white lithium grease:
Though great for a 'sliding' lube (it's super slick and I love using it in certain situations), silicone based lubricant actually attracts dust just like grease. It also has a tendency to slowly spread into other areas and is also highly carcinogenic. It also contaminates anything around you spray. Once a surface is sprayed with it, it may NEVER be painted properly again. So, if you use it, be sure to tape everything else off properly.
Lithium, imo and many others, is still one of the best all around for this. The lithium grease, when applied properly, is not messy. They even make a spray can with straw like wd40, etc, though I would steer away from spray grease except in situations where there is just no way to do it manually. Grease also cushions parts which is why it's generally the choice for high-load moving parts like bearing, gears, etc. And unlike oil, which tends to seep away, grease stays in place and lasts much longer. You can use a marine grease if you're super worried about rust. Like any grease, it does attract dust and (removed), too.
Now, my personal choice when I don't have a tube of lithium grease someone gave me for free would be a good synthetic grease. I've been considering garage door spray lubricant as well since it's specifically made not to attract too much dust and is made to penetrate but not so sure if that'd be the best for a sliding sunroof.
I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. - George Best
Re: Sunroof maintenance
Great info guys. I did not consider removing the glass completely to get to everything easier. I know what I'm doing next weekend.
2003 Vibe base/moon&tune work commuter