996 Targa roof and Rear Wiper

Good morning all, I have just become the proud owner of a 996 Targa (my 02) I need some advice on 2 issues that I have. Issue 1 - Rear Wiper Spindle Mechanism Rear Wiper motor works fine, but spindle mechanism (that goes through glass lid), does not turn. I think it is seized up. I have removed the 13mm nut, wiper arm, C clip and washer, but the spindle mechanism will not come out. It has been lubricated with some WD40 to deslydge it but no joy, it will not budge, not even a little. Your advice/tips much appreciated 😊 Issue 2 - Targa roof sticking/stopping. The sun shade operates with no issues. Glass roof goes approx half way and then needs some assistance (pushing with my hand) to fully open. The roof is very very difficult to get back into the clised position. The glass was removed 2 years ago to ge cleaned and re-greased but the problem has returned. So far I have been advised to open the roof and spray some Isoprpyl Alcohol in the runners to clean them and then to re-grease with some spray silicone grease. If this doesn't resolve the issue it may need the cables replacing. Your thoughts and advice greatly appreciated. Thanks. Simon

Simon! The rear wiper seizing seems to be a common problem on the Targa, and there have been several members on here who have had it. I did a search, but there weren't any conclusive answers, but I found one on RennTech that might help: http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/40380-2002-996-targa-rear-wiper-removal/?p=256397 In case you can't open the page, here is what it says I have just had the same problem. The shaft on the 996 Targa is a snug fit in the housing and easily seizes. Mine was mostly dirt and a tiny bit of rust but it was seized solid. Being frightened off by the thought of a new rear screen I decide well if it goes together it must come apart and found It is possible to take it apart. Remove the wiper arm and blade. Remove the exterior dust cover from the top of the spindle (996 562 453 00) Clean the top of the spindle and you will see a half clip which sits in a groove to hold the spindle in. Using a small screwdriver remove it don't loose it. Remove the washer underneath it. Soak the spindle from both sides in penetrating oil and leave. You then need to find a narrow jawed 20mm spanner or grind an old one down to fit. From the inside you will see the pivot arm that is attached to the spindle shaft. Using the spanner gently rotate it backwards and forwards until you progressively get more and more movement all be it tight. Gently work it back and forward whilst exerting pressure on the spindle and it will slowly come out. Watch out for the two wavy washers at the bottom of the shaft. Once out clean up with fine wet and dry sandpaper clean the sleeve through the glass and reassemble with plenty of anti seize grease. Reassemble and you should be back in business. The sticking issue is also fairly common, and what you suggest is probably the best starting point. I'm not that familiar with the Targa roof mechanism, but I think the drive mechanism and cables are a bit of a nightmare to replace, so I hope it is an easy fix.

Hi Richard, Thanks for the welcome and the reply. Have tried the wiper spindle removal from seeing the post you mentioned last night, (but with a set of grips instead of a 20mm spanner), it doesn't want to budge at all. How can I excert force on the spindle from the outside while using the spanner from the underside, I am very mindful of using too much force in case of breaking the glass. There is also a rubber sleeving over the pivot arm, should I cut this away (I don't think it can be successfully removed as one piece). Once again thanks for the tips. Simon

If you mean the grommet shown in the attachment, then yes, I would cut it off. A new one is only about £1.50. How about re-attaching the wiper arm, so you can turn it from the outside while you have a spanner on the inside? Of course, you won't be able to exert a great deal of force, but every little helps. I've never seen the innards of the wiper mechanism, so I can't help a great deal, but hopefully one of the chaps who has had this problem will chime in. Edit: The grommet on the Targa is as per the part number in the above instructions. Also, as you know, the motor isn't as shown in the attachment, but is mounted in the boot, and the wiper shaft engages in a coupling.

Hi There The post on Renntech was mine I had that problem. You do need a spanner to get the purchase required, literally just work it back and forwards a tiny tiny bit at a time with loads of penetrating and it will start to move. Even moving it will still be tight but you can then start working it out. Once you have it out the sleeve needs to be spotless, clean the spindle the same, polish it with very fine wet and dry, coat it with copious anti seize. IT MUST ROTATE SUPER SMOOTHLY. It does take time and loads of patience but it will free up. Regards Terry

Hi Richard, The grommet I refer too is one that covers the rotating section underneath the glass, where I need to place the 20mm Spanner. Hi Terry, Thanks for the reply. I will be giving this another attempt tomorrow (Sunday) with a 20mm Spanner, and a rubber mallet for a little bit of (gentle) tapping persuasion, and of course plenty of penetrating fluid, (I just hope to god I don't crack the glass). Thanks Simon

I can't seem to find that one on the parts lists, I'm afraid.