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

L

Lonnie

Active member
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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 [FONT=&quot]08798-9013 [/FONT] . 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.
 
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