Seals, Xantia rear lamp cluster seals

[Stickyfinger]

Hi Chaps

Anybody had any success in fixing the rear lamp cluster seals (on the rear wing) by either re-constituting the hard old seals or by finding a replacement seal ?

[ekjdm14]

Honestly can't say as I've noticed the material, nor any leaks on either of ours, but if they're rubber I've heard soaking in a solution of rubbing alcohol and Wintergreen oil for a few days will swell them slightly (they go down a bit after a few days drying) and soften them a lot.

I've generally dealt with leaky light seals over the years by cleaning them thoroughly and reassembling with a smear of clear silicone.

[Stickyfinger]

They seem hard and squashed

[sparksie]

no leaks on mine, but my first instinct would be a clear. or black sealant.
Silicone is cheap and reliable, but don't use it if there's any body damage you might want to repair in the vicinity.
More expensive is polyurethane such as Tigerseal. But smear a lubricant on the body before assembling, because if that gets a grip the light wont be coming off intact ever again! You have been warned!

[Stickyfinger]

Well ....

I cut the seal top (only) off flat and used 1cm wide 3m black expanded foam self-adhesive door seal strip, being rubber2rubber it has stuck very well, has a good amount of "crush" so should seal them well. Fingers crossed.

[CitroJim]

I've used silicone grease on them to good effect Alasdair... It both seals and softens

[Stickyfinger]

As a "painter" Jim, silicone never gets anywhere near my cars

[ekjdm14]

Fair play, sounds like you've found a good solution for now too. I wonder if NOS seals will eventually turn up somewhere, having been stashed in some ex-Citroen dealer's back room? Happens for other makes/models so possible I guess?

[Stickyfinger]

The seals were not supplied separately, they only came on new lens units and are glued on. Hence I kept the "base" of the seals and added a new "crushable" top to them.

[Gibbo2286]

Comma oils used to supply a product called 'Seek and Seal.' which was excellent for sealing lamp fittings and windscreens, it worked like blood, (although colourless) found its way into the gaps then congealed.

Not sure if it's still available, came in a can like the 3in1 oil cans.