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Old 05-11-2021, 04:59 AM   #1
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Clamshell not operating smoothly

Hi all,

I test drove a 2002 S yesterday and it seemed in OK condition other than the top needed replacing and the clamshell didn't operate smoothly. During a certain point in its travel while putting the top up, the operation could only be described as "jaggedy". Is this an alignment issue or something more? I'm okay with walking away if it's a big issue.

Carfax shows the car has had 5 owners, but no accidents. IMS upgrade done and exterior is a 6/10.

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Old 05-11-2021, 07:12 AM   #2
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If the top needs to be replaced and you are going to have a shop do it, budget $2k. When it's off they should lube the track, which is most likely causing that "jaggedy" but it could be that it just needs to be adjusted.
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Old 05-11-2021, 03:23 PM   #3
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there are some plastic parts that ride in that track that the arm clips into maybe one or both are cracked,..?
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Old 05-11-2021, 03:25 PM   #4
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Don't forget possible cracked heads and rod bolt failure ..
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Old 05-12-2021, 05:50 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stl-986 View Post
If the top needs to be replaced and you are going to have a shop do it, budget $2k. When it's off they should lube the track, which is most likely causing that "jaggedy" but it could be that it just needs to be adjusted.
Thanks, this is what I figured. I'll make sure to get a quote during the PPI
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Old 05-13-2021, 03:29 AM   #6
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It is more likely that the tracks that run on each side of the car that part of the top mechanism slides in need lubrication. Give it some lithium grease and the chugging should stop.
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Old 05-13-2021, 06:29 AM   #7
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It could very likely be a partially cracked plastic gear in the 'transmission' for the top.


Article on the repair: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/BODY_Convertible_Top_Gear_Replacement/BODY_Convertible_Top_Gear_Replacement.htm
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Old 05-16-2021, 04:34 PM   #8
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It could very likely be a partially cracked plastic gear in the 'transmission' for the top.


Article on the repair: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/BODY_Convertible_Top_Gear_Replacement/BODY_Convertible_Top_Gear_Replacement.htm

Thanks! I had read about these and heard there are metal replacement options.
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Old 05-17-2021, 09:04 AM   #9
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So turns out it just needed a greasing. Didn't end up buying the car though for a handful of other reasons.

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