sunroof problem motor runs but roof does not move?

[body_infinity]

Hi guys, decided to try and get the roof working on the old w114, had a look at all the posts and my problem does not match...

in a summary when I press the switch for the roof I hear the motor run in the trunk but the roof does not move.

I can open the roof and close it using the manual nut in the trunk. I opened the motor and ran it seems to run well no damage inside? I read there is a clutch adjustment but not sure how to do this? Any tips on what the problem might be?



1975 w114 280

[cth350]

Have somebody operate the switch while you observe the motor. There is a rubber coupling that connects the motor to the worm gearing. It can be shot. Another problem is when the worm gearing is broken. However, I think that would mean that hand cranking doesn't work.

A used sunroof motor is relatively inexpensive.

-CTH

[Carson357]

more likely the clutch is slipping, try tightening the nut on the motor (emergency close feature). if that helps tighten it until the moteor works ok, by design it is supposed to slip slightly, but may do it more now if the adjustment nut is backed off.

[body_infinity]

Originally Posted by Carson357

more likely the clutch is slipping, try tightening the nut on the motor (emergency close feature). if that helps tighten it until the moteor works ok, by design it is supposed to slip slightly, but may do it more now if the adjustment nut is backed off.

Hi, took another look and the rubber from the motor is fine. I then went to open the bottom gear section where the cable runs thru and it all seems good all gears work in both direction, but it spins way too fast so I think ur right about the clutch. Anyway went to check for the lock nut and its not there all I have is the main thread of the bolt which has been cut in the middle as I have been using a flat screw driver and there is a tight washer but no nut??. Am I missing something? I will try and get a pic but has anyone got a pic they can post or email me of what this should look like?? The manual is not much help here?

Thanks BI

[Mike D]

Quite common on the older cars. Some well meaning person tries to repair the sunroof, discovers the lock nut and decides, "Here is how you open it manually", sticks a socket on it and twists. The nut either spins off or worse, strips the threads and they throw it away.

There is a tool (probably long lost from your car) which is stored in a spring clip socket mounted above the motor. It looks like a bolt with a screwdriver bit on the end of it. It is designed to fit inside the adjusting nut into the receiving slot.




Hmmm, now that I can see inside of the nut, I notice there appears to be the end of one of these tools broken off inside it. Sigh, just something else to do today.

[body_infinity]

Hi mike and thanks heaps for the pics, I see now what i am missing.....just to confirm there is only one nut, that is the lock nut which is that long socket type nut with some thread at one end only? I actually found it under the spare tyre but it was stripped wouldn't stay on .

What I need to do:


1. so is this what I need to replace or can any nut do?

2. all I do is tighten it (clockwise?) the manual states... loosen lock of counter nut on gear unit, hold shaft in place with screw driver & keep tighting counter nut, what does it mean lock of counter nut (another nut)?...

Thanks again

[Mike D]

You should replace it with the same style nut. The purpose of the deep "well" is to allow the manual tool to work without breaking the ears of the stud. If you break them, well, you're screwed when it comes to adjusting the tension of the clutch or manual over ride of the sun roof.

The "lock" refers to the bent up portion of the flat lock washer. Tap it down using a blunt chisel to turn the nut for adjustment. Once you have the clutch set, then bend it back up to prevent the nut from turning.