Convertible Top Problem

[jeeper31]

I hope somebody has been as dumb as i was and has done the same thing. It was dark and I went to open the top. I opened the center latch but did not pull the handle back all the way so when I was opening the top the top was not able to open. I heard a bang from behind. Now the top will open all the way but will not close all the way. It appears the right side does what it is supposed to but he left side doesn't extend all the way forward. I can push it forward to get the latch closed and it is fine. this is necessary to do to get it closed all the way. What did I break and is it an easy fix?

I have to get this fixed pretty quickly, I just ordered a new top to put on.

TIA

[BoxsterSteve]

You likely need a pair of these:
Porsche Boxster 1997 2012 Convertible TOP Push ROD Repair Ball Joint Pairnew | eBay
They are engineered to break and spare more expensive components from getting damaged.

[jeeper31]

Originally Posted by BoxsterSteve

You likely need a pair of these:
Porsche Boxster 1997 2012 Convertible TOP Push ROD Repair Ball Joint Pairnew | eBay
They are engineered to break and spare more expensive components from getting damaged.

You are correct. I need the ball joint. It's funny they seems to be white on most boxsters. Mine are red. Anyway, i ordered the part. Thanks.

[BFeller]

Be sure to check the drain pans under those control arms if the broke or just popped loose. They tend to poke holes that later leak water into the cars floor boards.

[Chuck W.]

Four days ago I did the exact same thing and broke the driver's side plastic ball joint. Damn easy fix.... and a lesson learned.

I believe the early Boxster's had red ones and the later (987) had white. The are all the same for 1997 to 2012 Boxsters.

[jeeper31]

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

Four days ago I did the exact same thing and broke the driver's side plastic ball joint. Damn easy fix.... and a lesson learned.

I believe the early Boxster's had red ones and the later (987) had white. The are all the same for 1997 to 2012 Boxsters.

Was it easy to fix? It seems that the whole arm the ball joint is attached to has fallen down below the top. it seems as though I am going to have difficulty lifting it up to reach the ball it is supposed to connect to.

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by jeeper31

Was it easy to fix? It seems that the whole arm the ball joint is attached to has fallen down below the top.

Very very easy fix. Put the top in service position. You will be able to reach down and lift the broken end up. No need to disconnect anything. Count the threads that are left exposed and unscrew the broken piece. Screw the new one on to the same point the old one was (thread count). Line up the new coupler with the metal ball and pop it on. I used a long screwdriver with slight pressure to get it on. I couldn't do it by hand.

I think the trick to the job is the position of the top in the service position. You need to see and reach the arm. Secondly, I had to slightly adjust the top (service position) once to get the new coupler piece and the metal ball to line up. On a scale of one to five, this is a one. Don't sweat it, very easy.

[jeeper31]

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

Very very easy fix. Put the top in service position. You will be able to reach down and lift the broken end up. No need to disconnect anything. Count the threads that are left exposed and unscrew the broken piece. Screw the new one on to the same point the old one was (thread count). Line up the new coupler with the metal ball and pop it on. I used a long screwdriver with slight pressure to get it on. I couldn't do it by hand.

I think the trick to the job is the position of the top in the service position. You need to see and reach the arm. Secondly, I had to slightly adjust the top (service position) once to get the new coupler piece and the metal ball to line up. On a scale of one to five, this is a one. Don't sweat it, very easy.

it's going to be very easy. I didn't get the part yet but i was able to lift up the arm and there was enough left on the end to fit the ball into it. It probably won't stay but i can open and close the top without a problem until the part comes.