[bikestuff]

Jeff,

I have had all my seals replaced (some multiple times) and the problem that you show in your pictures is common. It is UV sun damage. If you look at other slides you will see the beginnings of the same problem. (Sometimes it occurs on the top of the slide) It is not a defect or injury...rather it is the result of sun and age.

Unfortunately, that seam split is the sign that your seals have reached the end of their useful life.

The bad news is that the slide seals for valid slides are only available from Newell...but they will happily sell you one for $$$$. As far as I know the only two places that you can get a seal replaced is at Newell (close to you) or the guy in Zephyr Hills Florida.

Over extending the slide to access the seal is not an overly complicated process but does require some custom manufactured "stops" that keep the room from moving too far.

My suggestion would be to have Newell replace this seal and observe the process. If you do that and look at the bill....the seal itself will be a big chunk of the cost.

For what it is worth.

Cheers,
bill