Intermittent "pop" noise when opening/closing

[geoff]

I searched through the past topics and the TSBs, but didn't find anything that quite describes this problem. The Bentley manual didn't address it either

Recently, when opening or closing the convertible top, about halfway through the sequence there is a single "pop" noise, like something sticks for a moment, then breaks free. Doesn't happen every time, but never used to happen, so it's a new problem. I looked inside the clamshell when it was about halfway open, and didn't see anything obviously disconnected, broken, twisted or loose. Everything is pretty clean as well, no debris

Does this sound like a lubrication problem, or an indication something is worn and/or about to break? 2001 model year, 43+K miles, driven with the top down much of the time, never had any top issues before, and except for the noise, the top operates fine.

[fasterjames]

I had a similar experience where the 'boot cover/clamshell' (pardon my ignorance as to it's real name) was actually shuttering when it opened. When I looked closer I was surprised that the entire assembly (including the fasteners attaching it to the lift struts) is plastic! Those fasteners/clips are really loose with lots of play in these. So between that, the boot cover being plastic, and the runners/sliders for the top being plastic it most likely just wore a spot where it didn't slide smoothly anymore.

You too many have a small spot worn somewhere along the runners.

A little bit of grease (usable for plastic pieces) along those runners made my issue go away and I haven't heard it in about a month.

I hope that what you are experiencing is as easy to take care of as mine was.

[CJ_Boxster]

I had a pop noise also, turns out one of the connecting rods for the top broke and the added stress one only 1 rod would cause a pop...once i replaced the broken rod, all was well...it was hard to tell the rod wa broken at first glance but if you tilt your head in alittle , you can see the plasti end is shattered.