AndyK

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1854308140" target="_blank">Sunroof Gear auction/photos</a>

Nobody mentioned that the gears are housed in a removable casing? Now I am even MORE confused! Should I be removing the interior panel under the sunroof, exposing these units, and then unscrewing the 4 screws, seen in the photos, to get at the gears, one at a time?

<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Robby

I'm glad you posted these pics- unfortunately, I can't honestly help you w/your question, although it definately appears that you are correct- they must be the infamous "gears" that people are referring too- maybe you can buy just the gears themselves separately w/out the whole box that includes them?

Anyway, I'm wondering: MY passenger side one is loose somehow- when I raise the roof, I can see it start to drop down from the roof- I've tried tightening the little screws (that I CAN SEE)- are there some special hidden ones somewhere? All teh screws I can see are tight already- what's the deal? Anyone?

slevy951

[quote]Originally posted by AndyK:
<strong><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1854308140" target="_blank">Sunroof Gear auction/photos</a>

Nobody mentioned that the gears are housed in a removable casing? Now I am even MORE confused! Should I be removing the interior panel under the sunroof, exposing these units, and then unscrewing the 4 screws, seen in the photos, to get at the gears, one at a time?

<img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Yes. Note the position of the arms (count the teeth) so you can them back in the same place.

AndyK

Hey Simon--

How bout a photo tutorial on sunroof gear replacement!?

Dave

There's a write-up on it somewhere, maybe Tech-Session, I'll have to find it. I have new gears waiting to be installed, maybe we need to do a NJ sunroof day.

Robby

Okay, so after re-reading all of this, does this mean that: the 4 screws that hold the pieces together have NOTHING to do w/holding the piece to the roof? If that's the case, and mine is falling from the roof, then does this mean I have to take the whole damn thing apart to get to whatever is holding it to the roof? Anyone?

thanks

AndyK

Cool idea Dave! Those write-ups confuse me! We should both be able to figure it out (even though your '86 is slightly different than my '88)! Say when!

Dave

Actually, I don't know of any changes after '85.5. Doesn't mean there aren't any, I just don't know of 'em. I've read through the procedure, and have attempted the repair before (counting teeth only works if the damaged gears haven't jumped a few teeth already ), and I'm still confused.

crazandy

It takes about an hour. 30 minutes or so after you do it once.

This is what I did
1. Lift out the sunroof
2. Unscrew the leather panel under the gears
3. Peel back rubber strip around sunroof opening till about 4 inches off of each side and the whole back side
4. Pull down the leather so you can unscrew the 4 screws(maybe 3 or 5) on the bottoms of the gear assembly (both sides)
5. Remove old gear
6. Turn the sunroof to the closed position, not unlocked or raised
7. Put in the new gears
8. Put in a lifter rod in one side with 2-2.5 notches showing when u place the cover on. screw the cover on
9. Repeat 8 for the other side
10. Test operation of sunroof
11. Put leather back, rubber strip back, and leather panel
12. Enjoy

Operator

Andy... you wish!

you know what.. ive officially decided that im never going to open, and definitely never ever going to take out, my sunroof. bam. problem solved. if it does somehow manage to break without me opening/removing it however i might just be inclined to make a tutorial with pictures. never know...

Stefan

It's not such a bad repair ... just takes some time.


Just think of all the sunshine you're missing

I barely ever drive my 951 without the roof either raised or off

Go for the repair! <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

adrial

[quote]Originally posted by Dave:
<strong>There's a write-up on it somewhere, maybe Tech-Session, I'll have to find it. I have new gears waiting to be installed, maybe we need to do a NJ sunroof day.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I've done mine before so I could help run it...I suggest having an extra set of gears handy though.

Damian in NJ

Dave, a sunroof Sunday sounds swell. Mine is starting to act up, we could meet at my house, I think I may have more driveway space than you guys.

Robby

[quote]Originally posted by Operator:
<strong>Andy... you wish!

you know what.. ive officially decided that im never going to open, and definitely never ever going to take out, my sunroof. bam. problem solved </strong><hr></blockquote>

If you're going this route, may I suggest getting a carbon fibre panel to replace the 19lb piece of lead?! You can also get rid of the motor, plus other pieces- saving you at least 20 total lbs, as the carbon fibre panels shouldn't weigh more than 1lb- less than 3 even if they're double paneled w/something (insulation?) to add thickness in the middle....

Now, would SOMEONE PLEASE tell me if i'm on the right track about how this damn piece mounts to the ceiling? Are there mounting screws or something up under there that can only be accessed by pulling the bottom plate off or something? HOW DOES IT MOUNT?

Thanks,
Robby

J Berk

It's really not that bad of a repair....make sure you've got your metric allen wrenches, and a small metric socket set....and if I remember correctly a needle-nose plier.....and a little time!

Fix it!!!


PS - In case it's not clear in Crazyandy's write-up...those gear boxes are in the roof behind the sunroof opening...not in the pop-up portion!!