Removing and installing trim strip for side window: Audi A8 D4

🧭 Before you start

Open the front and rear doors, remove the C-pillar trim and release the roof trim strip from its clips with a wedge. Mask the paint, lift the bottom corner so the rubber strip goes behind the trim, then slide the side window strip forwards with the roof strip to free it. Refitting uses tyre assembly paste and a pull thread run behind the clips, pulled out slowly while the strip is pressed home until it clicks.

Fits: Audi A8 D4 (4H, 2010–2017)

• Special tools named: V.A.G 1818

Don't miss

• Get the rubber strip behind the trim strip before sliding it forwards; a torn rubber strip must be renewed.
• Mask the paint around the trim with adhesive tape before levering anything.
• Have a second person support the roof trim strip so it does not mark the paintwork.
• On refitting, coat rubber and trim strip with tyre assembly paste and pull the thread out slowly while pressing.
• Listen for each clip engaging audibly; a strip that only looks seated will lift at speed.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

1. Open front and rear doors.
2. Remove trim for side window (C-pillar) .
3. Starting at A-pillar, press roof trim strip (1) off retaining clips (arrow) using removal wedge3409.
4. Pull roof trim strip (2) out of clips (1) in area of rear side window.
5. Have a second person hold the roof trim strip to avoid damaging the paintwork.

6. Mask area around trim strip for side window (2) with adhesive tape (3) as shown in illustration to avoid damaging paintwork.
7. Lift bottom corner of trim strip for side window until rubber strip (4) slides behind it (as shown in illustration).
8. ⚠ Risk of damage to rubber strip.If the rubber strip is not behind the trim strip, the rubber strip will be damaged when the trim strip is disengaged.The rubber strip must be renewed if it is damaged. — Slide trim strip for side window forwards together with roof trim strip (1)(arrow); this disengages trim strip for side window from clips.
9. Coat rubber strips and trim strip of side window with tyre assembly paste.
10. Insert thread (2) from V.A.G 1818 behind clips (1) and under rubber strip (arrow), as shown, and close door.
11. Position trim strip (3) for side window on body.
12. Slowly pull out thread (1), and at the same time press trim strip for side window onto clips until it engages audibly.

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