Something broke when I tried to put the top down. What happened?

[kavlono]

I have a 2007 Boxster I bought new. The other day I was putting down the top and flipped open the latch and the top began to open but caught on the tip of the latch and I heard a loud "SNAP" coming from behind me and the top stopped moving although the top cover continued to cycle. What happened? Can I fix it ( I am not very mechanical oriented) and if not how much would the dealer charge me to fix it.

PS. I am able to raise and lower the top manually so there is no emergency.

Thanks

[chaudanova]

You might have snapped/broken the plastic ball caps that are at the ends of the lever arm rods... Those are designed as a weak point to be the first to go if there is something wrong during the top up/down process...

Take a look at this link I found for you...

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?/topic/20109-broken-boxster-987-roof/

Hope this helps...

[chaudanova]

I forgot to add, in response to your other questions... It's a fairly simple fix (assuming this was the problem)... I have no idea what the dealership would charge you to fix it, but the dealership rates are usually pretty expensive, regardless of how easy things are.

You could get some replacement ball caps and replace them yourself fairly easily.

[schoir]

Originally Posted by kavlono

I have a 2007 Boxster I bought new. The other day I was putting down the top and flipped open the latch and the top began to open but caught on the tip of the latch and I heard a loud "SNAP" coming from behind me and the top stopped moving although the top cover continued to cycle. What happened? Can I fix it ( I am not very mechanical oriented) and if not how much would the dealer charge me to fix it.

PS. I am able to raise and lower the top manually so there is no emergency.

Thanks

Chaudanova is right on the money.

Your white (in your case) plastic ball cups have both broken apart. If only the ball cup on one side had broken, the canvas part of the top would continue to operate, although it would lurch slightly, with one side leading or trailing the other, depending on which cycle it was on (open or close).

The front pushrods onto which those plastic ball cups are screwed on drives the canvas covered frame part of the convertible top and the black "hydraulic" pushrods drive the clamshell, both being driven by the V-Levers.

Porsche only sells the front pushrods as a complete assembly (with the plastic ball cups attached), but they are available from an independent seller who has had them manufactured in Europe.

Be careful if you have been operating your clamshell with the electric button as the now-dangling front pushrods can dig into the foam drain trays and tear them. You will then get water intrusion into the cabin when you wash the car or when it rains, where the water will then promptly head for the central alarm computer under the driver's seat.

Regards, Maurice.

[kavlono]

Thanks go much guys. This information is invaluable and exactly what i need. i will let you know what happens.

[kavlono]

I found and removed the two broken plastic balls sockets today. It was easy and should be easy to replace. Where can i buy them from the guy you say has them made in Europe? Are they exactly alike. I notice that these are double walled which looks like they are made to be the weak link in the system so they break before anything else does.
Thanks again for your help.

[Jaxonalden]

Check with a salvage yard that deals in Porsche's or try EBay. I always keep an extra set on hand since I snapped two sets already.

Yes they are the weak link for a reason, better changing the arms out than bending the convertible mechanism or damaging the motor.

[schoir]

Originally Posted by kavlono

I found and removed the two broken plastic balls sockets today. It was easy and should be easy to replace. Where can i buy them from the guy you say has them made in Europe? Are they exactly alike. I notice that these are double walled which looks like they are made to be the weak link in the system so they break before anything else does.
Thanks again for your help.

Kavlono:

PM Sent with info.

Regards, Maurice.

[chaudanova]

Originally Posted by schoir

Kavlono:

PM Sent with info.

Regards, Maurice.

Kavlono, Maurice's recommendation worked out brilliantly for me, and should for you as well.

Thanks again Maurice!