C4 Cabrio Top Noises

When my top is closed it makes some squeaking and click noises while driving. Is there a way to get in and adjust that, or do some sort of maintenance to the top? I don't think anything is wrong, per se, as my 330ci Cabrio sounded the same ay, and this might just be an issue with convertibles in general.

I have a mkII cabrio (albeit a C2) and I do not get any noises coming from my top. It's my first cabrio and I've only had it for 6 months, so take that for what it's worth. BTW - here's a cool cabrio trick I read on this forum: normally the back windows don't go up with the top down, but if you stick your finger in the top latch (top center of windshield) & push the little sensor-button, you can raise the back windows.

So you don't get any squeaks or clicks at all? This makes me think there must be some solution to this.

I get a squeak. The boot sometimes squeals when going down, and squeaks when down, especially if I hit a bump. Have not had a chance to really look for it yet as it is a faint noise, and it's very cold here. Nice color combo

Is there a dis-assembly guide somewhere that shows where things might need to be lubed or tightened inside the top to alleviate this?

The newer models may be using the same seals that you can view brand new at a dealership acting like you are shopping. Then there is the used cars matching your model year you might be able to get a look at. Some times due to temp changes and use seals do displace. You are saying it is squeaking. Possibly a cleaner used on the seal areas has set you up with the squeak. Possibly try a conditioner on the seal. Half of the creation of the squeaks will be the metal area the seal contacts. Some times silicone isn't the exact answer. I am fond of a Plexus product I used primarily for my bikes plastics but man does it ever do a great job on rubbers or plastics like the part where the windshield blends into hood to include the battery cover and all. You can find the Plexus at most motorcycle related stores. I'll never advise armor all which your car might of gotten on the seals. Good luck getting rid of the squeaks.

Go to Renntech. There are TSBs that explain how to fix squeaks.

The main squeak I am trying to get rid of is coming from the center of the top, where the dome light would be in a traditional car. It just kinda squeaks when I go over a bump. It's pretty darn annoying.

I've had a noise for 2 years that sounds like a pencil tapping. Very irritating. Sounds like its over passengers head. Let me know if you find a cure Steve

I was hearing persistant squeaking at the top of the windshield whenever there was any flexing or vibration when the car was moving. Rubbing a thin film of Door-Ease lubricant (available at most auto parts stores) with my finger along the windshield header panel where the seal mates has kept it quiet for a few weeks now. I was browsing through PET a few nights ago (Ian, you gotta get a life!) and noticed that the locating pins on the clamshell that plug into the windshield header are supposed to have plastic end caps, but when I checked mine they just end with squared-off metal. I am going to call the dealer parts department tomorrow to see if they have the caps, as I am sure they must reduce movement and thus noise potential.

There are some ribs in that area that are known to be problematic. Mine were replaced (997) under warranty because of this. They secure the liner.

Check if the outer locating pins on the clamshell have the plastic caps. I just spoke to Sunset Porsche and learned that the caps have a habit of falling off and getting lost. Porsche has superceded the part into a complete assembly for this reason, but now the replacement costs $32 per side! (The local dealer price is nearly twice that, though.) Anyway, I ordered them , as movement at the header panel will result in creaks and groans throughout the roof structure. I'll post an update when I've had time to evaluate whether the replacements make any difference.

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My 00 C2 had the same squeaking noise. I fixed it by spray silicone lube at the locating pins on the top and the two matching slot on the windshield frame. I also noticed that the locating pin on the squeaking noise side is missing the plastic or metal cap. I am pretty sure the problem is at one of these two locating pins.

Great info! So to recap: 1) Check caps on the alignment pins, replace if missing. 2) Lube contact areas 3) Join renntech (is something wrong with their membership joining apparatus? I couldn't find a join link under my account) 4) What is the clamshell? b

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Renntech requires a registration, if you choose you can become a "contributing member" for a small fee. This gives more access to information than the free registration. The "clamshell" is the hard boot directly behind the back seats that raises and lowers when the top is raised and lowered.