replacement of spoiler riser mechanism

[judibake]

Last year I purchased a lovely 2001 996 C2 in excellent condition. Shortly after I examined it in detail I identified that the elevator hinge on the driver's side of the spoiler mechanism was defective and the spoiler was not retracting fully. I thought that a description on how I handled this might save other members a bit of time in the future in resolving the problem.

The mechanism is not cheap to purchase. I was fortunate and bought one on Ebay for a pittance. I found two youtube sites that described firstly how to replace the rubber bellows and secondly how to replace the spoiler with a permanent GT2 or GT3 style. There is no need to remove the bellows and no need to remove the engine hood to replace the spoiler mechanism.

Above the engine hood:

- raise the spoiler

- detach the spoiler hinges (4 hex bolts)

- carefully remove the O rings and the rivets from the elevator hinge to the spoiler

Below the engine hood:

- remove the 6 hex bolts holding the elevator hinges to the underside of the hood ( 3 per side )

- remove the 4 hex bolts holding the top plate to the hood ( the mechanism is under this plate )

- carefully drop the plate and mechanism which will identify the electrical connections to the motor and track

- the motor connections are easily removed

- in order to remove the connectors to the track ( there are 2 placed one on top of the other) you must open the track

casing by snapping open the rear clips, separating the top and bottom of the casing and then sliding each connector off

a double pin from the bottom.

- the harness from the right engine compartment to the hood hides under the plate and is secured by 2 snaps to the

plate. If they are broken during the removal I suggest not replacing them as they are not necessary.

- The plate and mechanism is then freed and placed on a bench.

On a bench:

- remove the plate from the elevator hinges ( 3 hex bolts per side ) and from the motor ( 3 long bolts )

- reverse to install new mechanism to the plate

- there is a shim between the elevator hinge and the engine hood that must be transferred to the new mechanism

Reverse everything to install on the car. Much easier reinstalling than disassembling.

Do not forget to reattach the electric connectors.

If this is to be done over a day or two, disconnect the engine compartment light.

I hope this may help someone in the future.

MG