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Roof problem

Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 8:27 pm
by FLATSPOT
Hi I have just purchased a 2009 3.0 sdrive and I'm not sure if there's a problem with the roof when I put the roof up the back half of the roof seem slam into place it does not just drop it seems to lower its self down ok but it seems to land with a bit of a heavy clunk is this normal or do I have a problem any advice would be appreciated

Roof problem

Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 8:32 pm
by dario
FLATSPOT wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 8:27 pm Hi I have just purchased a 2009 3.0 sdrive and I'm not sure if there's a problem with the roof when I put the roof up the back half of the roof seem slam into place it does not just drop it seems to lower its self down ok but it seems to land with a bit of a heavy clunk is this normal or do I have a problem any advice would be appreciated
Mine on occasions does a heavier than i'd like it clunk, but its being doing it for a few years. what not post a video of it so it can be assessed more accurately?

Roof problem

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:55 pm
by Lazza
Mine lands with a bit of a thump too. Having only owned manual roof convertibles (Mazda MX5) before, it was a surprise to me but I'm sure it's normal.

Roof problem

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 2:31 pm
by Bertz4
Mine also bangs down onto the screen top, probably due to the weight of the roof header overcentering. I just catch it with my hand to stop the bang.

Roof problem

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2017 6:29 pm
by mcbutler
Take a couple of hours to lubricate every pivot/joint/hinge in the entire roof mechanism.
Do it first with a PTFE spray (B&Q) and a week later with a white lithium spray grease (again B&Q).
This reduces the friction load in the mechanism hence operating pressures/heat in the pump decrease. Roof operating process becomes smoother/quieter and faster..

Roof problem

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2017 7:38 pm
by flybobbie
My roof always pauses for a fraction of a second before it shuts, but my colleagues car, which she always had problems with the roof, would crash down. Hydraulic cylinders can be designed so that they cushion on the last part of the stroke, don't know if that is so with these, but the roof cylinders on my car exhibit such an action.
Or my roof hydraulics could be down on pressure so it falling under gravity and last moment pressure builds to shut.

Roof problem

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2017 8:04 pm
by Maniac
Mine used to do this.

Lubrication caused a very jerky mechanism so I can’t recommend that.

There are two sets of rubber stops for the rear clamshell which can be adjusted up to help stop the slam.

Yours may have moved down as the design is poor.

Find them, put some sticky felt on them, sticky side against the rubber stop and this should help soften the impact.

It’s been like that for years on mine (extra felt on the rubber stops) and is fine.

Roof problem

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2017 8:08 pm
by flybobbie
I miss read the original post, yes my rear slams down firm but not crash.

Roof problem

Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2017 9:47 am
by FLATSPOT
Thanks to all of you for your advice I will have a look at the roof when I'm off work over Christmas

Roof problem

Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2017 1:49 pm
by FLATSPOT
does anybody no how to check the roof hydraulic fluid level

Roof problem

Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2017 2:05 pm
by flybobbie
Just lift up the cover you will see the pump has a clear reservoir. It would appear that about half full is the norm, unless someone else can advise otherwise.