2000 c2 convertible top lubrication

[moondoggy]

2000 c2 cabrio at 57k miles. Is there a need to lube the cabrio frame/mechanism? Top makes some creaking sounds when opening and closing but does so with no problems. Is this normal? Also, regarding the rear water drains in the cabrio, are they functional when the optional hard top is installed? Thanks.

[dgjks6]

Waiting to hear about the lubrication question. I have not had my hard top on yet, but I think I can answer the drain question. I do not think the drains are needed on the rear when the hard top on. I have spent hours trying to track down leaks and have watched the drains in progress with the interior disassembled. The drains take water that runs off the convertible top and goes inside the black trim piece of the shell (there is a gap there) and delivers it out the rear wheel wells. I think the hard top covers this piece and the water just runs off.

[moondoggy]

Thanks and your description of the hard top installed makes sense. Awaiting anybody who can address potential for lubing the cabrio mechanism.

[RFM]

The pivots of the top can be lubricated using a Teflon containing dry lube to avoid oily deposits after time.

[moondoggy]

Same top, now much noisier maybe due to a lapse in memory when I removed the wind deflector, placed it on the front part of the top while folded down, then forgot to remove it when I put the top up and found it sitting on the front of the top once attached to the windshield. Hopefully, the weight of the windscreen didn't stretch something in the motor mechanism or cause the motor undue stress. Windscreen not that heavy. Much noisier since that incident. Top moves up and down but much noisier now and slight hesitation. With that background, do we have something I can do to reduce the noise and speed up the up and down process or do we thing I have a major problem now with the motor itself, for example, and maybe need to visit the dealer. Or, maybe fair wear and tear. Thanks.

[moondoggy]

Successfully filled the container with fluid from NAPA. Had my son in law help me (or vice versa) who's a dentist and used to leaning over and working in confined spaces with a syringe, tube, fluid and a hole. Top properly operates now. Great DIY procedures and thanks again to renntech.

[moondoggy]

Forgot to add lessons learned. Because I was so low on fluid, could've used large cooking basting syringe due to amount of fluid needed. Used child's syringe and took more fills. A simple drinking flex straw worked fine vs a tube. Also, use good angle hex wrench because if use cheap one, could slip in the hole. Bought mine from Sears (some tools made in China are better than others). Nut was very tight like factory tight and had to apply pressure (with good wrench) to break the seal. Put towel under work area to capture fluid that might drip in areas of car difficult to clean. Used 2 flat edge screw drivers to carefully remove the 4 plastic locks for the carpet.