I need to replace my right side window's weather seal, as seen here. I've found what I think is the correct part number (7571047021), but it seems pretty expensive for being a seemingly small part. Cheapest I've found is around $30 a piece. Is there any way to get them cheaper, or is there some kind of generic version of this part? I was thinking to replace the seal on all 4 windows, but at $30 each, I'm rethinking it
The original seals lasted almost 10 years. Even if you replaced all 4 ($120), that's a cost of $12.00 per year for the next set if you prorate the cost across 10 years. Not such a bad deal, actually.
You're right (assuming the current seals are the originals. I think they are). I'm just currently dealing with other expensive repairs I'm not sure what exactly the seal does. Is it harmful if I leave the passenger window without the seal for now, until I get some other expenses out of the way?
Lack of the seal would allow increased water infiltration, I think, and that could cause problems with the electrical components in the door. My previous automobiles had drain holes in the lower bottom edge of the doors that would drain out water, and it was particularly a problem if those drain holes were blocked as the water then pools at the bottom of the door, ultimately increasing corrosion.
More stray leaves and other random junk will fall into the door, as well as more rainwater. My seals failed on the sunny side a couple of years after the car began sleeping outdoors.
The Prius has drain holes in the doors too--I noticed them last summer when I had my doors apart. I went for a drive with the rear door panels off and rear speakers removed and noticed the noise was considerably louder; the drain holes sit just below the speaker holes and open to the outside of the door seals, which meant a direct path from outside airflow into the cabin.
