Hinge levers on Cabrio cover

[Collie]

Hi there, I have experienced an unusual problem (I believe) in that the front hinge/brackets on my cabrio cover have broken both happening when closing roof using the key fob, maybe entire coincidence, as opposed to switch on the consule. The first broke over two years ago but roof worked happily once I removed the broken lower end though the small triangular section of the rear shelf didnt come up as the little spuds on lever where now missing. In a moment of inadvertance I closed the roof with the fob on Sunday and the remaining right one broke!
I had sourced second hand the entire mechanism from Porschapart when first broke but as it looked very difficult to take out the old one and fit the replacement I didnt try it.
My independant porsche specialist here in Dublin is taking the car next week and may try welding the hinges though he is not sure if it will work.
I was wondering if this is a known problem and if so whether Porsche strenghtened the hinge since mine which is my2000?
Sorry for the longwinded explanation.
Any help or info appreciated.
Collie

 

[mok924lux]

Hi,

I'd be interested in the part numbers (or pics) of the bits that broke. I have broken parts on mine which have not altered the function of the roof but have always worried me. Mine is a 1999 and I'm not sure whether they broke in the first few weeks of ownership or before purchase (the inspection didn't pick them up although not sure it would).
I have contemplated replacing them (not cheap) so information on whether this is a common fault would be invaluable. If anyone knows the cause of the breakage that would also be helpful.

Matthew

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

I would have thought it must be pure coincidence that both broke while using the remote, as it has the same action as pressing the button on the dash. Can't say I know a lot about cabriolet tops, but the diagram might help identify them for Matthew.

 

[Collie]

Hi Matthew and Richard, sorry I havent been back on. I didnt make myself clear, its the plastic tonneau cover lifting mechanism that has broken now on both sides as opposed to the actual roof which works perfectly. with the two levers broken the tonneau cover just sits back and rubs off the carrera wing on my car. I am away at the moment but will post the part numbers when I get home. regards Colm

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Do you mean the "clamshell" hinges?

 

[Collie]

Hi R ichard, its no 6 on the diagram. It is the front connecting upright lever which has broken on both sides!

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Left - 996.561.907.02
Right - 996.561.908.02
They are £105.14+VAT each.

I had a look at the workshop manual, and it says you have to remove the convertible top before changing the hinges. It looks like a lot of faffing around to me, but if you drop me an email I'd be happy to attach the instructions to a reply.