Door hard to close after new aftermarket weatherstrips

[Gearz]

I have a 2011 Tahoe LTZ. My drivers door weatherstrip that goes around the body was replaced by me with a aftermarket weatherstrip but the new one does not have the holes like the OEM to let the air escape. Does anyone know how I can make new holes on a D shaped weatherstrip without damaging it ? GM Part Number: 22766409 # 3 in the pic.

 

[Doubeleive]

WITH A DRILL

 

[petethepug]

What’s the back story on why the weather strip had to be replaced and who did it for you?

Keep in mind the aftermarket door seal is a different design, so it may operate in a different manner without the need for the vent holes like the past one.

 

[OR VietVet]

Besides the obvious hole fix, like @Doubeleive so rightfully suggested, a new seal is always going to be stiffer than the old used one. Did you know that the aftermarket seal was not gonna have holes in it? Was there a Genuine GM available and you chose the less expensive? Or not available and you settled for the aftermarket one? Drill those holes and be done with it. Before you ask what size hole to drill, I would guess that you start out with a 1/16" bit and go up to 1/8" bit if needed.

 

[tom3]

Every aftermarket weatherstripping I've installed did the same thing. The stuff is either just cheaper rubber material or different design. Usually after time it will conform to the vehicle and work better. Hardly ever does it work as good as factory new though. Give it time.

 

[Doubeleive]

WITH A DRILL

that's not a joke a drill will work just fine, mark some even spots at desired intervals and hit each spot with a desired drill bit size, carefully- you only want to puncture the outer edge for airflow. using a razor or some other crap will just be a messed up hassle.

 

[swathdiver]

Installed all new door seals a few weeks ago and a few of the doors were hard to close. New ones are GM Original Equipment.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Same here. I replaced the driver's door seal earlier this year and the door was a bit harder to close but is fine now. Just takes a little while to settle.

What holes are everyone talking about? I don't remember seeing any on either the old or the new

 

[Gearz]

I’m going to try this by hand and use a 3 mm and see what happens, there supposed to be very shatp. I installed them myself. I was a GM master tech for years dut didn’t want to spend $400 on new door seals. I did text the seller and who knows they might send me another set. ‍

 

[Dustin Jackson]

@Gearz A dart heated with a lighter might make a clean hole without needing to apply pressure