ble2011

I'm in the process of replacing the spoiler drive bearing. I wanted to replace the sheathing around the cable at the same time. I found some black polyolefin heat shrink tubing on eBay for less than $7 shipped. It resists heat, oil, gas and stays flexible. Worked like a charm and after trimming the ends, looks better than new. PM me if you want more info.
BTW - Followed this DIY and was very easy.
http://p-car.com/diy/spoilerdrive/

linen grey ghost

+1

Followed the same DIY, only needed to patch with a short section of heat shrink and it worked like a charm. Wing activation is now nearly silent; no annoying "coffee grinder noise" anymore.

fozzie bear

Good tips. Thanks. Been thinking about this DIY myself.

My spoiler goes up smoothly, but kind of chatters on the way down (as heard from in the car). Does that sound like the right symptoms of this bearing needing a replacement?

ble2011

If yours is not grinding (going up and down), I don't think it's the bearing. Yours may only need an adjustment. When I was messing with mine, it seemed to act that way when there was slop between the gears.

fozzie bear

Interesting. Thanks for the thoughts. What kind of adjustment can you make?

ble2011

The gear mechanism has 3 screws. The whole mechanism will pivot slightly when all 3 are loosened. It can then be positioned closer to the large gear that's on the spoiler. That worked for mine.

Drisump

Wow...good, tip didn't think of shrink wrap, an elegant solution. I think if my 96's sheathing was in such a state, most cars must be in a similar or almost as bad state. Makes me wonder if a lot of the water rusting out the original bearing is coming from the failed sheathing.

speyer911

that shrink wrap makes me want to cry. The electrical tape I used looked so Getto. I will try to find some locally and fix it.