slide seal operation

[dngnmn]

My slide seals are rubber flaps which either remain straight and allow the slide to slip by or roll in and out with the slide. Which way is correct?

[sh1pper]

If your slides were perfectly adjusted then the seals should roll in and out. Most often they are not and one side of the slide seal will roll and the other does not. Probably nothing to worry about unless you get leaks.

[5picker]

They should flip (roll) in and out when opening and closing the slide.

Often times when the seals are lubed well and the sides of the slide are well waxed, the seals do not flip. It has nothing to do with alignment and everything to do with friction.

There have been mods to install an automotive type moulding to the side of the slide to flip the seal.

I often 'help' mine when they don't flip with a broom handle or an old awning pull rod I still carry.

[dieselguy]

I fully agree with what 5picker said. I keep my seals treated with silicone or rubber conditioner. No matter what you do ... a couple never flip the entire length so I just flip what doesn't with a yardstick.