Broken top...

[cprcan]

Today while lowering the top of my 97 boxster after work, the top stopped half down. I could still hear the motor hum when i pushed the button, but the top would not move. A helping "friend" tried to budge the top, which resulted in 2 broken push rods (but i was able to get the top back up and drive home). My questions are:

1. does this sound like a transmition malfunction? where can i find tips on replacing the transmission(s)? are there 2 on this model? How do i know which is bad, or should i replace both while i'm at it? what do they cost?
2. how easy are the push rods to replace? what are their costs? is there a difference between the left and right?

Any help or guidance is much appreciated!

[waynes986]

check renntech.org they have a section on tops and can help you very much...this is where i got help when my top went out... doubt its your transmissions...probably due to the broken push rods....$40 for each easy to replace...

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Sounds like Transmission Cables to me. Pretty easy fix...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[rdancd816]

I have a '97 as well and had a similar experience occurr a few weeks ago. First, did the clamshell bend or freeze in place? Second, did you hear an audible "snap"? If the transmission cables were original it is not a difficult fix, but it can be expensive if you're not a DIY guy. My '97 had the original cables and the break did not bend or alter the clamshell deck piece. Lucky, as when the deck clamshell is bent this can be a $2500 repair. I had the local Porsche dealer repair the cable break to the tune of $1500 (all cable replaced with upgrade..and transmission motors re-synched). This is a common issue with older Boxtsers and is well documented on this site. I would advise a pro inspect the top and the clamshell. If the clamshell is bent the cable fix will not solve your problem permanently. Look at Randalls website for a description in detail about this issue. It just goes with the territory...97's are great cars, but they are the first year version and DO have some design issues. I just bit the bullet and fixed it properly. I don't have the time or patience to do a top repair myself. Good luck!

[SC986]

As stated, Renntech has a top section and has alot of good detailed info. Gary in NH is the expert there.

I had the same thing happen but alos heard a pop. The result was a broken tranmission cable and a bent push rods. I tried but got no where so I took it to a independent shop. Total bill $539.00. Parts:

986-561-579-00 left push rod $55.10
986-561-580-00 right push rod $55.10
986-561-717-03 transmission cable $31.51
986-166-075-02 pin clip
986-561-689-00 top pin
986-924-049-01 push rod bushing(2) $8.38