Looking for Help with Squeeky Seal on `11 Corvette Removable Hardtop

[Lonnie]

I have a friend who bought a `11 Corvette Grand Sport with a removable hardtop. His problem is that the seals will squeak when the top is installed.

Apparently , Chevrolet is aware of this problem and has a "fix" with a seal lubricant that my friend says cost $85.00 for a 5-ounce tube through the Chevy dealer part department!! (Common on now; this is not a Porsche or Ferrari, it`s a GM!). He has researched this problem on Corvette forums and found a suggestion to use Silicone Di-electric Grease (IE, spark plug boot grease) as a cost-effective substitute, BUT when he tried it, it only lasts for a few days and the squeak is back.

Does anyone have any suggestions of suitable cost-effective substitutes that might work?
I am not sure if Nextzett Rubber Care Stick Gummi Pflege or 303`s Rubber Seal Protectant may work, as these are water-based and not a grease-type lube for a "more-permanent"` solution to the squeaky seals.

[yamabob]

search it. There are several listed that involves adding some o-rings to permanently resolve the problem. Grease and lubrication is only temporary


https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...long-post.html

[rlmccarty2000]

Vettes flex causeing the glass to rub on the rubber. Anything he uses is going to be temporary. I worry about some greases or silicones “eating” or prematurely damaging the rubber. Not all rubber is made equally. If GM has a special lubricant I would use that or stick to the water based protectants from 303, Nextzett, or Sonax and apply monthly.

[SgtMajUSMC]

I had two C6s and tried all the fixes. The rubber o rings on the front posts work. Lowes/Home Depot, black rubber multi pack for like $2. Nothing else I tried worked for the noise.

Not just a C6 issue either. My 15 C7 had the same problem. Put the o rings on and creaking gone. GM changed the posts on C7 at some point and evidently that solved the problem.

[Lonnie]

Thanks for all your help, fellow Autopians. I will forward this info to my friend.

[PA DETAILER]

https://agscompany.com/product/sil-g...ant-tube-4-oz/

Among the best.

[Oneheadlite]

For lubricating seals, Honda has a lubricant called “Shin Etsu” that they recommended for Acura NSX’s that were getting seal noise from the lift off top. (I’m sure they recommend it elsewhere also; Honda’s aren’t my focus, I discovered the stuff when my wife had a Civic). Part number 08798-9013 . You can get it for like $14. I’ve since been using it as my go-to seal lube on cars at work with seal noise issues.

[Ronkh]

"feed" it first w gummipfledge. Then maybe silicone

[tropicsteve]

https://www.autopia-carcare.com/megu...l#.W7F4qkpFx9A this stuff is awesome for squeaking leaf spring and other types of bushings, but may help you.
I like the o-ring solution above.