Rubber gasket that runs below side moldings under both doors question

[stlcx9]

Just bought a new CX9 Touring a few months ago and noticed when washing the lower clading/molding on doors the rubber gasket that runs the length from back of front wheel to front of rear wheel. The gasket is in place to seal out water/grime from getting into inside door jam of the molding. Half the round hose like shaped rubber gasket is exposed to the outside elements. My first thought was this molding wont last too many years to rain, snow/salt, road wear and tear. Why would they design this so the gasket is exposed so much? I didnt buy the splash guards because I thought the plastic on plastic look wouldnt look too good like the black on painted surface guards on my Honda. Service mgr said not many folks put on splash guards and gasket will hold up. Any feedback on this guys on durability and has anyone put on splash guards and likes the look? The front splash guard is what is needed to protect the gasket some, wish Mazda would have molded in a factory splash guard on the clading like the Buick Enclave and such. Thanks

 

[Davicho]

Mine is a 2007 with 115K miles and it still looks almost brand new and serves it's purpose. No snow or salt here in sunny SoCal though.

 

[stlcx9]

Thanks, I have been looking at other cars since I noticed this and havent found one that has this exposed rubber gasket. I guess Mazda knows what they are doing.

 

[mazdman]

Thanks, I have been looking at other cars since I noticed this and havent found one that has this exposed rubber gasket. I guess Mazda knows what they are doing.

Anyone know what the Mazda part number is for this rubber piece of crap? Only 11,910 miles & the front driver side has ripped away at the front (2) clips.

The Mazda dealer & my one on-line search show 51PK2, but this doesn't look right to me. You probably have to replace the whole friggin molding @ over $229 !!

Mine ripped after it rained & then froze. Pulled the clips right through the rubber. A serious design/engineering flaw.

I guess you have to live where water never freezes or don't wash the salt off your CX9 often, as Mazda & anyone w/ a brain would suggest.

The more I love this car, the more these types of things make me hate it.

 

[drchuck]

Mine has given me no trouble, and I found it to be a very convenient place to run the hot wire for my trailer harness right up to the battery. I have nearly 38000 on my '10.