Rubber Moldings

[steve1173]

On my 2010 Red Rock the black rubber moldings on the sides windows around the windows seems to be disintegrating, if you rub them with your finger or rag the black comes off on my finger or rag. Is this normal for the beetles, they are very dull and not shiny.

[SMG]

I wouldn't worry about it. My 11 year old NB's window seals look brand new, but when you apply protectant the rag turns black.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Most rubber mouldings, gaskets, weatherstrips, etc, are actually EPDM (ethylene propylene diene Monomer (M-class) rubber), that have as an ingredient carbon black (which is why these items are always black). It cannot be produced without the carbon black and this is what is bleeding out. It is typical and normal. EPDM is the material of choice because the alternates, plastic and vinyl, do not have the necessary properties. Plastics and vinyls are susceptible to rapid aging and deterioration from ultra-violet light and air borne chemical exposure. Silicone, might be a viable alternative and is available in colors, but it does lack the structural properties of EPDM and has a significantly higer cost.

As part of my business, I have been involved with the manufacturing of EPDM extruded products for over 30 years and know of no "treatment" or "dressing" that will seal the product and prevent this bleeding of carbon black from occuring. This material does age, will harden, crack, and ultimately have to be replaced, given enough exposure to light and chemicals. Sorry!