GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2009 🢒 XLR 🢒 Roof 🢒 Folding Top 🢒 Folding Top Panel Hold Down Link Replacement - Front

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 1111822 Size: SH
  1. Manually open the folding top as shown in the illustration. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation.

    2. The distance (A) from the windshield header to the leading edge of the folding top panel is 430 mm (17 in).

  2. Place a protective covering over the interior of the vehicle and the adjacent body panels.

    3. Object Number: 1318735 Size: SH
  3. With the aid of an assistant, remove the strut actuator:
    4. 3.1. Support the folding top to prevent the top from moving.
    3.2. Use a small flat-bladed tool to lift up on the retainer clip (1) on the lower pivot link bracket 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.

    3.3. Remove the strut actuator (1) from the ball joint (2) on the lower pivot link bracket.
  4. Position the folding top panel so that the panel is resting unlatched on the windshield header, with the locating pins in the receivers.
  5. Remove the side compartment trim. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Left Side or Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Right Side.
  6. Support the rear folding top panel.

    7. Object Number: 1273757 Size: SH
  7. Remove the shoulder bolts (2) from the folding top links.
  8. Remove the hold-down link bolts (1).
  9. Remove the hold-down link from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1273757 Size: SH
  1. Position the hold-down link to the vehicle.
  2. Apply LOCTITE™ Blue, GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to the bolts.
  3. Install the hold-down link bolts (1). Do NOT tighten the bolts.
  4. Install the shoulder bolts (2) to the folding top panel link. Do NOT tighten the bolts.

    5. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  5. Tighten the bolts in the following order:
    6. 5.1. Tighten the hold-down link bolts to 7 N·m (62 lb in).
    5.2. Tighten the shoulder bolts to 36 N·m (27 lb in).
  6. Install the side compartment trim. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Left Side or Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Right Side.
  7. Remove the support from the rear folding top panel.

    8. Object Number: 1111822 Size: SH
  8. The distance (A) from the windshield header to the leading edge of the folding top panel is 430 mm (17 in).

    9. Object Number: 1318735 Size: SH

    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.

  9. Install the strut actuator (1) to the ball joint on the lower pivot link bracket.
  10. Manually close the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation.
  11. Remove the protective covering.
  12. Cycle the folding top under power through one complete cycle in both directions.
  13. Inspect the folding top for proper operation. Refer to Power Folding Top Description and Operation.