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

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 and the adjacent body panels.
  3. With the aid of an assistant, support the folding top to prevent the top from moving when you remove the strut actuator.

    4. 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.

  4. Use a small flat-bladed tool to lift the retainer clip (1) on the lower pivot link bracket side (2) of the strut actuator.
  5. Remove the strut actuator (1) from the ball joint on the lower pivot link bracket (2).
  6. Remove the front panel link trim from the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Front Panel Link Trim Cover Replacement.
  7. Remove the quarter window. Refer to Folding Top Quarter Window Replacement.
  8. Remove the folding top position switch. Refer to Folding Top Position Switch Replacement.
  9. Remove the front folding top panel. Refer to Folding Top Front Panel Replacement.
  10. Remove the rear folding top panel. Refer to Folding Top Rear Panel Replacement.

    11. Object Number: 1230400 Size: SH
  11. Remove the spring clip (2) from the quarter window adjuster pin (1).

    12. Object Number: 1230407 Size: SH
  12. Remove the pin (1) from the quarter window adjuster (2).

    13. Object Number: 1230410 Size: SH
  13. Remove the quarter window adjuster (1) from the lower pivot link bracket (2).

    14. Using a grease pencil, mark the location of the tie wraps holding the hydraulic hoses and the electrical wires to the link.


    Object Number: 1251436 Size: SH
  14. Remove the idler link spring clip (1).
  15. Remove the idler link pin (2).

    16. Object Number: 1251434 Size: SH
  16. Remove the bracket bolt (1) from the lower pivot link. Because of tight clearance conditions (2) you need not remove the bolt completely from the vehicle.
  17. Remove the lower pivot link bracket from the vehicle.
  18. Support the link to prevent the link from swinging down when you remove the hold-down link from the folding top panel.
  19. Remove the hold-down link. Refer to Folding Top Panel Hold Down Link Replacement - Front.
  20. Remove the folding top panel link from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure
  1. Position the folding top panel link to the vehicle.
  2. Install the hold-down link. Refer to Folding Top Panel Hold Down Link Replacement - Front.

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


    Object Number: 1251434 Size: SH
  3. Apply LOCTITE™ Blue, GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to the bolts.
  4. Position the lower pivot link bracket to the vehicle. Secure with the bracket bolt (1) and tighten to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).

    5. Object Number: 1251436 Size: SH
  5. Install the idler link pin (2).
  6. Install the idler link spring clip (1).
  7. Secure the hydraulic hoses and the electrical wires to the link with new tie wraps in the original locations indicated by the grease marks.
  8. Install the rear folding top panel. Refer to Folding Top Rear Panel Replacement.
  9. Install the front folding top panel. Refer to Folding Top Front Panel Replacement.

    10. Object Number: 1230410 Size: SH
  10. Install the quarter window adjuster (1) to the pivot link bracket (2).

    11. Object Number: 1230407 Size: SH
  11. Install the pin (1) to the quarter window adjuster (2).

    12. Object Number: 1230400 Size: SH
  12. Install the spring clip (2) to the quarter window adjuster pin (1).
  13. Install the folding top quarter window. Refer to Folding Top Quarter Window Replacement.
  14. Install the folding top position switch. Refer to Folding Top Position Switch Replacement.
  15. Install the front panel link to the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Front Panel Link Trim Cover Replacement.

    16. Object Number: 1111822 Size: SH
  16. Manually move the folding top as shown in the illustration.

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


    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.

  17. Install the strut actuator (1) to the ball joint on the lower pivot link bracket (2).
  18. Manually close the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation.
  19. Verify that the folding top panels are aligned properly. If necessary adjust the folding top panels. Refer to Folding Top Clearance Gap Specifications.
  20. Remove the protective covering.
  21. Cycle the folding top under power through one complete cycle in both directions.
  22. Inspect the folding top for proper operation. Refer to Power Folding Top Description and Operation.