Hard Top & Taneau cover release cables - Secure ends? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

RickM · #1 10-31-2007, 10:42 AM

While I can release the latch mechanisms for both the Hard Top and passenger side Tanaeu Cover latch, I do struggle to achieve complete actuation on the first try.

It appears that when I move the lever the cable jacket pulls away from the latch and the cable experiences little movement.....meaning there is minimal movement of the latch. Seems to me the ends should be secured somehow. However nothing looks broken.

Can anyone shed some light?

Thanks!

ScottinSoCal · #2 10-31-2007, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickM

While I can release the latch mechanisms for both the Hard Top and passenger side Tanaeu Cover latch, I do struggle to achieve complete actuation on the first try.

It appears that when I move the lever the cable jacket pulls away from the latch and the cable experiences little movement.....meaning there is minimal movement of the latch. Seems to me the ends should be secured somehow. However nothing looks broken.

Can anyone shed some light?

Thanks!

Look on the other end, near the handle. There's a spring clip there that's supposed to hold the sheathing on the cable tight. If that's popped loose, you'll get exactly what's happening to you.

RickM · #3 10-31-2007, 11:06 PM

Scott, The clip is holding the cable very securely. So, at this point I'm puzzled.

RickM · #4 11-01-2007, 09:16 AM

Can someone pop their tanaeu cover to compare? I'd surely appreciate it.

FrankE500 · #5 11-01-2007, 10:49 AM

MY cable looks the same (1988 560sl) Yesterday I adjusted the threaded cable at the passenger side lock to release at the same rate as the drivers side, works great now, as for the center lock/release, the rear post was not fully releasing from the center lock, thought the problem was the cable, mine looked just like yous the same amount of slack at the end, however the center lock assembly was aligned too far towards the drivers side, loosend up the 4 bolts moved the lock over toward the passenger side, works great now!

RickM · #6 11-01-2007, 11:01 AM

Ok, Frank, thanks for looking. Funny thing is if the cable jackets were secured it would actuate completely. I'll try adjusting first.

8092400e · #7 11-02-2007, 08:49 PM

have you checked to see if the nut thread is stripped? That is what happened to mine, I took it off and turned it around and have not had a problem since.

RickM · #8 11-03-2007, 09:14 AM

John,

Which nut? Could you elaborate or maybe show a pic?

8092400e · #9 11-06-2007, 03:55 PM

Rick,

I'd take a pic but just put the hard top on for the season. There are 2 white plastic nuts that ride on the metal cable housing to do the adjusting. There is also a metal clip that holds them in place. The forward one (toward the front of the car) was stripped. I reversed the 2 nuts and now have not had an issue. A new cable was not that expensive as I recall through Phil.

8092400e · #10 11-07-2007, 11:10 AM

Rick,

Looking at your pics again, it appears that the metal cable jacket should be inside that long hex nut (plastic I assume), that could be what is stripped if threaded or came un glued. If you insert the cable into that long nut, that will take up the slack you are finding in the cable. You are pushing the cable out of the long nut every time you actuate the cable. It could be as simple as a blob of epoxy and re-inserting the cable, looks like the metal nut to the right does the adjusting along the threaded section.