For 1990-2009 cars only
Removal Procedure
- Manually open the folding top as shown in the illustration. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation.
- Place a protective covering over the interior of the vehicle and the adjacent body panels.
- Remove the spring clip (2) from the quarter window adjuster pin (1).
- Remove the pin (1) from the quarter window adjuster (2).
- Remove the adjuster (1) from the lower pivot link bracket (2).
- With the aid of an assistant, remove the strut actuator:
- Position the folding top panel so that the panel is resting unlatched on the windshield header, with the locating pins in the receivers.
- Remove the idler link spring clip (1).
- Remove the idler link pin (2).
- Support the folding top panel.
- Remove the lower pivot link bracket bolt (1). Because of tight clearance conditions (2), you need not remove the bolt completely from the vehicle.
- Using a grease pencil, mark the locations of the folding top panel bolts (1) to the lower pivot link bracket (3).
- Remove the bolts (1).
- Note the number and the location of any shims (2) that may be present.
- Remove the lower pivot link bracket from the vehicle.
Dimension (A) is 430 mm (17 in) from the windshield header to the leading edge of the folding top panel.
| 6.1. | Support the folding top to prevent the top from moving. |
| 6.2. | Use a small flat-bladed tool to lift up on the retainer clip (1) on the lower pivot link bracket (2) side of the strut actuator. |
| Caution: Apply pressure only at the end of the strut actuator that you are removing or attaching. DO NOT apply pressure to the middle of the rod because damage or bending will result. |
| 6.3. | Remove the strut actuator (1) from the ball joint on the lower pivot link bracket (2). |
Installation Procedure
- Position the lower pivot link bracket to the vehicle.
- Install the folding top panel bolts (1). Do NOT tighten the bolts.
- Install the idler link pin (2).
- Install the idler link spring clip (1).
- Tighten the bracket bolt (1) to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).
- Install the same shims (2) in the original locations.
- Align the folding top panel bolts (1) to the grease marks on the lower pivot link bracket (3) and tighten to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).
- Remove the support from the folding top panel.
- Manually move the folding top as shown in the illustration.
- Install the strut actuator (1) to the ball joint on the lower pivot link bracket (2).
- Install the quarter window adjuster (1) to the bracket (2).
- Install the adjuster pin (1).
- Install the adjuster spring clip (2).
- Manually close the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation.
- Verify that the folding top panel is aligned properly. Refer to Folding Top Clearance Gap Specifications.
- Adjust the folding top panel, if required. Refer to Folding Top Rear Panel Adjustment.
- Remove the protective covering.
- Cycle the folding top under power through one complete cycle in both directions.
- Inspect the folding top for proper operation. Refer to Power Folding Top Description and Operation.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.
Dimension (A) is 430 mm (17 in) from the windshield header to the leading edge of the folding top panel.
Caution: Apply pressure only at the end of the strut actuator that you are removing or attaching. DO NOT apply pressure to the middle of the rod because damage or bending will result.
