|
One small step for Benzenkind...
Good show on getting the roof open all the way. A good cleaning and lube is always a +.
Before you tear up the roof, try a small experiment in the trunk. I presume you already have the left trunk well plastic cowling up and out, exposing not only the sunroof power mechanicals but also that of the antenna.
With the cowling out, look at the motor...you indicted you broke off the plastic cap that looks like a 14mm hex head bolt. Under this dust cap is the finely-threaded gear shaft, the end of which should have two flats cut into it. Around this shaft and up against the gearbox housing is the adjusting nut, thin and 17mm (I think). The entire assembly is held in place by three 10mm bolts into a black multi-twisted bracket. This, in turn, is held to the trunk chassis by two more 10mm bolts.
Without removing anything yet, look at the shaft end. Imagine where the other end of this piece might be (out of sight up against the trunk bulkhead). Put a finger on the hidden end and, thumb on the flats, try wiggling the shaft. If it moves laterally, as mine did, that means one or both of base metal shaft support bushings are shot. Since I have a parts car, I swapped out motors rather than attempting to search for -- or have a buddy make -- these worn parts.
If no pronounced wiggle, try 1/2 turn CW on the adjustment nut, then get in the front and, helping hands at the ready, try an open-close cycle. If still slipping, try 1/2 CW more. Test again. If this adjustment makes things easier, break for a Molson's Export, eh?
If not, we will have to disassemble CAREFULLY the tubes, motor, and gearbox in the trunk and check on some other things. Always note any chatter (such as most rear windows develop). This means the spiral end of the cable is slipping on the cogged drive gear, it, hopefully NOT a toothless wonder.
Let us know how it goes, then we can together decide what's next. Finally we will pass on the maintenance routine, most of which has already been offered by others, but with some improvements learned at the University of Busted Knuckles.
Good luck.
|