Taking my car to the shop.......

[iluvboxsters]

Yea Joe, definitely am going to want a second opinion on the rotors, he took a quick look (qbout 3 seconds) saw one scratch and said they all need to be replaced. I smell bull**************** to be honest.

@clickman, so you think it could be the levers? The top doesn't catch at all when the button is pressed, the cover just opens and retreats.

Yeah I'm definitely aware of the ocmplications associated with water leakage. The car hasn't seen rain in 2 years because of my paranoia. I'll be taking it in on the 15th to get things checked out. The convertible top may be something that I don't end up fixing if i will cost a lot of money. I really dont mind doing it the old fashioned way (really only half the old-fashioned way).

[jhandy]

For the temp contol you can try something. My son did the same thing with a coke. gummed up everything. I removed the unit and washed and soaked the unit in rubbing alcohol. disolves the syrup and it does not hurt the internals.

[clickman]

Originally Posted by jhandy

For the temp contol you can try something. My son did the same thing with a coke. gummed up everything. I removed the unit and washed and soaked the unit in rubbing alcohol. disolves the syrup and it does not hurt the internals.

You've got way more guts than me!!

On the other hand, if you know the unit's useless anyways ...

[JoeFromPA]

Seriously over-simplified but....

If your rotor has a thick ridge on it's edge, it's more likely to need replaced. If it has a thin ridge (i.e. it can catch your fingernail, but it's easy to skirt over too), it almost definitely is still good if it's never been machined. Surface scratches don't mean you need a replacement unless it's super deep (very rare). A gauge measurement is the only way to know for sure.

Rotors are the expensive part - figure without rotors, you are talking a $200 or less job for a shop to do.

[jhandy]

Are the rotors drilled? If so, look at the holes as they are prone to crack and it is said that if enough of the cracks connect, it is possiable to break. Also they can not be turned.

If it is standard rotors, pull them off and they can be turned at brake check for 9$ each.

but unless they are bent or at/past minimal thickness they are fine.

Pad replacement honestly takes 15 min each tire. Stupid to pay someone to do that.

[iluvboxsters]

Yea I can trust the guy who owns the shop, him and my father are good friends but the guy I was speaking to was just someone who works for him (the owner wasn't there at the time).

Thanks guys, I think I'll have the rotors checked and machined or repelaced, whatever is necessary. I have no mechanical prowess so changing brake pads is something I wouldn't try to do even though with directions I probably could.

Since my AC unit is quite useless I may as well just try it, quite gutsy though.

Sorry clickman, it's a 2001 boxster (not S).

I will have those drains checked, wehre the convertible top meets the driver side door is likely the culprit.

[boxster6354]

For Sticky Buttons.

http://docwilenracing.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/sticky-boxster996-ac-control-unit/

[clickman]

Originally Posted by iluvboxsters

Yea Joe, definitely am going to want a second opinion on the rotors, he took a quick look (qbout 3 seconds) saw one scratch and said they all need to be replaced. I smell bull**************** to be honest.

I thought you said your mechanic was fair? If you can't trust him you're in a whole nuther ballpark.
The only real way to tell if the rotors have to go is to put gauges on to check thickness and runout. Although pros might be able to get a good idea on thickness based on feeling the wear ridge at the edge of the rotor. Runout problems, on the fronts at least, could mean shuddering when braking.

Originally Posted by iluvboxsters

@clickman, so you think it could be the levers? The top doesn't catch at all when the button is pressed, the cover just opens and retreats.

It could be one of the microswitches. But I'm guessing. Maurice is your best bet.
And you still haven't told us the model year of the car; there are differences in the tops from 99-00.

Originally Posted by iluvboxsters

Yeah I'm definitely aware of the ocmplications associated with water leakage. The car hasn't seen rain in 2 years because of my paranoia. I'll be taking it in on the 15th to get things checked out. The convertible top may be something that I don't end up fixing if i will cost a lot of money. I really dont mind doing it the old fashioned way (really only half the old-fashioned way).

As someone mentioned, the drain holes should be checked that they drain. There's also one in the frunk by the battery. Any good Porsche mechanic or DIYer will check these regularly.