Lubricate top?

[steve_wilwerding]

When my top is up, the top "mechanicals" squeak a lot. It seems to mostly come from the joints in the bend of the top, where the top slopes from where the rear window is to horizontal. There seems to be a gear-type thing in the bend that seems to cause the most noise.

Has anyone ever lubricated these parts? Are there any other parts of the top that need to be lubricated?

While we're on the subject, where are the top drains and what is the best way to clean them?

[Tool Pants]

I lubricate the slides for the clamshell. If we are fixing a top I will also put some grease in the 4 ball joints.

You need to put the top in the service position to see the water drain on each side.

[Happy Days]

I also have a squeaky top on a 2003 with the glass window. Thankfully it still is covered under warranty. The dealer, however is 100 miles round trip away, and two trips so far have been unsuccessful in curing the problem.

What the dealer has done so far is to lubricate all the seals with a silicone based lubricant. The noise disappears for a day or so and then reappears with a vengeance.

I've tried a spray on silicone myself with similar results to the dealer.

The noise manifests itself as a creaking that is as loud at slow speeds as it is at 40-50mph. It can be induced by driving up the ramp into my garage, and is driving me bananas!

It is going back into the dealer next Wednesday, so here's hoping.

[djantlive]

What does dealers use to lube the top? I have some gel lubricant along the rubber gaskets of the top. I've heard Ice Wax used to lube motocycle chains is good. One dealer told me some 3M lube is used. I could never find it anywhere. I wish Porsche would sell some lube so owners can use this themselves as needed.

[Happy Days]

What I have used (and with great success on previous BMWs) is a silicone spray from Kent Industries (UK). Wurth do a similar item.

Edited May 19, 2006 by Happy Days

[djantlive]

Where is this sold?

[Happy Days]

Where do you live?

[deliriousga]

I use plumber's grease to lube the plastic and rubber parts. It's not petroleum based so it's safe for everything. I use white lithium on the metal slides and ball joints. I lubed the top 7 months ago and it has been silent ever since. The plumber's grease is available at any hardware store, Home Depot or Lowes. The white lithium is available at most auto parts stores. I stay away from the spray just because I know I'll end up getting overspray on the cloth top.