Broken Convertible Top Connecting Rods

[wbbeck]

I have the problem described elsewhere in this forum where the roof doesn't seat right in the doorframe of my 2005 Boxster. As i was trying to manually guide it into place, the main locking latch above my rear view mirror had not totally disengaged and i heard a loud "pop". Upon inspection there are two metal arms along the side of the roof that connect the motor to the top. On both sides, there is a small white plastic piece that screws onto the rod and attaches to the roof that broke off. The motor still works and raises the metal cover but not the roof itself. Any ideas what this white piece is called? Is it possible to replace it myself? - not an experienced porsche mechanic.

Thanks for any assistance. My first post ever.

[kestrel248]

I had this issue on my 2005 Boxster last year. Porsche doesn't sell it as a separate part- it comes with the "push rod" OEM part # 987-561-279-00 (or 01). I wasn't able to find anyone who either makes or sells it as a separate part, but that may have changed.

If you've got nimble hands and someone to hold the top for you, you can replace it yourself- unscrew the broken white bit (its threaded like a screw), screw the new one on and push it over the round ball on the roof strut.

I would recommend checking to make sure both push rods aren't bent. If either one is, you've got the replacement already (although that's a real pain for anyone with adult-size hands).

[kestrel248]

Just saw a recent post on the same issue, which says it much better than I did: http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/20109-broken-boxster-987-roof/

[dr-of-leisure]

I know that this is a older post, but will probably be a reoccurring problem for the 986 and 987 Boxster models. I have found an updated seller on eBay that sells an aftermarket ball joint for the convertible top. Here's the link:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-Boxster-ball-joint-convertible-pushrod-/260861300236?hash=item3cbc8b8e0c&item=260861300236&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_1202

If your push rod is bent, this eBay seller has the push rod and the plastic ball joint that breaks. This is a Porsche part number. It is:987 561 279 00. The link is:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-987-05-06-Push-Rod-Convertible-Top-trans-Pivot-x2-/350437871461?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5197b98f65&vxp=mtr#ht_632wt_1139

I haven't purchased either one of these parts yet, but I plan to and do the install myself. I'm not a mechanic and don't claim to be. Hopefully, I can do this myself with the help of my wife. If anybody has done this install successfully, please post your experience and share your experience!

Once I have done the install, I'll post it.

Thanks!

[1schoir]

Dr.:

Go to this link for an explanation and photos that you will find helpful: http://sites.google....frameona'97

Specifically, go to the part I PDF, and read the text at the bottom of page 11 and the top of page 12. For photos, go to the Part II PDF at page 31.

You don't have to be an experienced mechanic to make this repair, and, if you have your wife helping you, it will be a piece of cake! :rolleyes:

Regards, Maurice.

Edited May 25, 2012 by 1schoir

[michaelp]

I have the same problem as described throughout this post. When opening the top, everything seemed fine until the clamshell was about to close, then the loud pops and the broken white caps. My issue is that I can't move the clamshell enough to access anything. The clamshell does not move at all. I have read that I need to "unhook" the struts with the black caps, but they are too close to the frame of the clamshell to move. Hope this makes sense and would appreciate any help.

[michaelp]

BTW - forgot to mention: 2008 Boxter base