Out of interest, how many of you have had leaks on door carriers that you know have never been removed / refitted?

I ask because I've just repaired my driver's door using Shell Tixophalte as per the Fabia boys and girls, and when I removed the door card it was obvious from the screwdriver marks found underneath that someone had previously had the door card off (no doubt to repair a window or lock). The calibre of the garage must be questioned - even I have a plastic set of trim removal tools.

I've got enough of the sealant to do the other doors; but it seems the only leak is from the door which has been meddled with. I'm loath to take all the cards off for no good reason if they are unlikely to fail of their own accord (ie the seals generally only go when they've been refitted).

Thoughts?

I've just discovered that I have three doors leaking - presumably via the carrier, I'll remove the cards and check when it stops raining .

Of the three leaking doors, two have had the carriers removed previously to fit new locks (both rear doors) and one door hasn't been touched before. Oddly, the 4th door has had the carrier removed before, for a new window regulator, but is OK (touch wood!)...

What is Shell Tixophalte, and where do I get some?

It did cross my mind for a moment to use silicone - but I'd like to be able to remove the carriers again without too much hassle should I ever need to.

cheers

I've just discovered that I have three doors leaking - presumably via the carrier, I'll remove the cards and check when it stops raining .

Of the three leaking doors, two have had the carriers removed previously to fit new locks (both rear doors) and one door hasn't been touched before. Oddly, the 4th door has had the carrier removed before, for a new window regulator, but is OK (touch wood!)...

What is Shell Tixophalte, and where do I get some?

It did cross my mind for a moment to use silicone - but I'd like to be able to remove the carriers again without too much hassle should I ever need to.

cheers

Shell tixophlate is a bitumen rubber type material which comes in a mastic-gun type cartridge, which I think is quite popular because it can be removed fairly easily, and even sticks if the surface is wet. Downside is it is quite messy to apply, but cleans up nicely, and you don't need to remove the carriers (can be applied to the area between the carrier and the door panel). I bought it from ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tixophalte-Roof-Gutter-Waterproof-Bitumen-Sealant-/330526361404?pt=UK_BOI_Ceilings_Walls_Roofing_ET&hash=item4cf4e8073c - I think other people have used standard roofing sealant stuff. I think the problem with silicone is twofold; it is quite easy to get it to not stick, and if you do manage to get it to stick you may never get it off again...!

If you are near Norfolk / Cambridgeshire you are welcome to borrow my tube - I only used a tiny bit, I imagine there is enough to do several cars in there.

Skoda actually have a kit of "the proper stuff" which is a two part kit of a primer and a sealer. I think it is close to £60 tho.

Kit is about £35 and will do all four doors.

I could have sworn I'd seen it quite a bit more expensive, but I think you probably know better than me! At that price I'd have probably got the proper stuff.