Sena SMH10R failure. Anyone seen this?

[CruSTy]

5 years ago I purchased two Sena SMH10R communicators. The one I wear and is used the most has developed a failure in the rubber cover that makes is water resistant. I ride 5-6000 miles a year average so I don't consider this to be abnormal use. Sena does not supply the cover for sale and does not recommend replacement and I am out of warranty so they declined to help. They would gladly sell me a new unit. Up to this time the unit has functioned extremely well. Any suggestions for repairing this without gumming up the internal buttons?

Chuck

 

[Earl43P]

Black RTV sealant may bond well to that and still flex. Carefully toothpick it JUST into the crack, let that cure, then apply a film coat well beyond the crack, twice, letting it cure in between. You might place a scrim cloth between those film coats for added strength.

Does that area have a switch underneath?

It would be nice to know if that is a silicone base rubber; there are several types of RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) sealant, at auto parts stores.

 

[CruSTy]

Black RTV sealant may bond well to that and still flex. Carefully toothpick it JUST into the crack, let that cure, then apply a film coat well beyond the crack, twice, letting it cure in between.

Thank you, I was kinda headed that direction. That might extend the life for awhile. Once it is patched I will probably put it on the wife’s helmet since she doesn’t ride along often. Next purchase I will consider a different product. Too bad cause I really like the form factor and function of this one.

Chuck

 

[Larry Fine]

I've had good luck with liquid electrical tape.

 

[skipcurt]

I have the same unit for almost 5 yrs and 50k miles now and mine is still in pretty good condition. Of course I can't tell if the material has thinned or not but I'm going to save this thread for the future when it might split. I love the low profile of this unit but I do like the jog dial version that Sena offers also. I will likely switch over when the need comes unless something better comes along in the time being.

Skip

 

[RaYzerman]

Sugru, if I spelled it right, also would work. Careful not to get anything on a switch if there's one under there.

 

[CruSTy]

I've had good luck with liquid electrical tape.

I've used this on electrical wires and connectors before. Might work on the rubber.

Sugru, if I spelled it right, also would work. Careful not to get anything on a switch if there's one under there.

Interesting product. I have not seen this previously.

Thinking I might set up a test with these 3 options before applying to the Sena.

 

[Shawn K]

A little Shoe-Goo would work as well, and retain flexibility.

 

[Lowndes]

+1 on the ShoeGoo. It's much tougher than any RTV silicone. Clear, too. Super bond, too. Doesn't take much!!

 

[CruSTy]

A little Shoe-Goo would work as well, and retain flexibility.

Will Definitely test the shoe goo. We have that in inventory. Works great on a variety of shoe issues.

 

[CruSTy]

Ok so I tried the shoe goo and the RTV on an unused area of the cover. The Shoe goo definitely did not adhere to the material at all. The RTV did quite well so I proceeded to dis assemble and repair. See pics below. As i disassembled and inspected the rubber membrane cover the cracked area began to break off in pieces. I cleaned with alcohol and let it dry then put some painters tape on the underside of the repair to support the broken pieces and prevent excess material from seeping into the switch area. Its not pretty but it is working great for the time being.

 

[CruSTy]

Found this on fleabay. May choose this option if I have a repeat failure.