Top latch hook question

[seddy]

Odd question, should there be any side to side movement of the latch hook. When partially open the hook can be moved about half an inch left or right. I'm asking because the top has started creaking badly and it seems to be the front edge of the top moving side to side.

[1schoir]

I'm not sure whether this applies to a 997, but on 996's and 986's, there is a black plastic/rubber cap that fits over what Porsche calls the "centering journal" which is located on the left and right side of the leading edge of the convertible top. They are the "tongues" that protrude from the leading edge of the top and help to guide the top into the receptacles located on either side of the horizontal top edge of the windshield frame.

When either one of the two (or both) are missing, that can cause creaking, especially when the weather turns colder.

For reference, on a 996, the part number for those plastic caps is 996 561 705 01 for the left side and 996 561 706 01 for the right side.

Regards, Maurice.

[seddy]

Thanks for the info, mine is a 2007 C4S, it has the plastic guides and they are intact. I have lubricated all the usual creak suspects, and the top used to be rock solid. At the end of fall it started creeking, and it seems to be the front edge moving side to side.

[1schoir]

Thanks for the info, mine is a 2007 C4S, it has the plastic guides and they are intact. I have lubricated all the usual creak suspects, and the top used to be rock solid. At the end of fall it started creeking, and it seems to be the front edge moving side to side.

Have you noticed whether there is less tension on the latch when you pull the top closed (i.e., it's easier to lock the latch shut) than it used to be ? If so, there is a possibility that the canvas of the convertible top has stretched slightly, thereby causing a looser fit than before.

If that's the case, you could try adjusting the tension ropes which are under the rear main bow of the convertible top frame. There is an adjustment there that allows you to have the rear main bow pull the canvas back slightly so that there is more tension on the latch when it is pulled shut. That might get rid of the rattle.

Regards, Maurice.

[dphatch]

Have you looked under the latch cover to see if the attachment points for the latch are loose of if there is a way to adjust the tension in the latch itself ? I searched all the bigger forums and came up empty but the latch must be attached to leading edge of the top frame and there should be a method of adjusting any slack in the area where the top meets the windshield frame itself. I would guess it's spring loaded to allow for chassis flex but there's got to be a way to adjust it.