Sunroof doesn't open squarely

[john d 81SC]

Replaced the broken cables in my 88 Carrera. Got the sunroof to open 3 times in a row; on the 4th try, it opened about 2 inches and then stopped. Removed the roof, checked that the tracks and wind deflector were tightened down. Checked that all the plastic pieces were in place (they were). Noticed that the roof wasn't opening squarely; it was angled, with the passenger's corner opening wider that the driver's corner. Removed the motor, and with the roof open about 1 1/2" and straight, re-attached the cables. Still not opening squarely. Undid the cables on the roof again, and this time opened the roof all the way to the back, so presumably cables are now even. Reattached to sunroof, closed the roof, and when opened this time, STILL not opening squarely. Any suggestions as to how to align both cables so roof opens squarely? Thank you in advance!

[930slant]

In reading "101Projects" I think the directions are saying that the last step (connecting the cables to the motor) should be done with the sunroof in the fully closed position. In this position, everything should start out square. Hope this helps.

I too am dealing with a broken sunroof. In my case the cable on the right side separated from the metal guide that slides back and forth in the channel. I hope that i can reinsert the cable and recrimp the guide to securely hold it in.

Did you grease the channels? My channels are full of grease as are the cables. (It appears that I am not the first person to work on this sun roof.) Wayne's book says not to grease the channels. My roof has worked flawlessly for the pst seven years.

[john d 81SC]

930,

Thank you for your reply. Yes - that was the final step - re-attaching everything with the roof fully closed. What I THINK is causing the problem is the spring loaded plastic "arm" that raises the wind deflector on the driver's side. It was cracked, and the roof was hanging up on it. I have another on order, so we'll see.

Reading the many posts on here re: the cables parting, quite a few people have used JB Weld in re-attaching their cables. That AND crimping, assuming your crimp doesn't interefere with the cable movement, is definitely worth the try before you spend $ on another cable. IF you have to buy a new one, as noted in Wayne's book, there is a right and a left cable.

RE: the grease Q - mine were greased (I don't know if the PO's greased them). A friend just removed his cables for the first time, and they were also greased - seems like the 911's from 86 - 88 must have been greased at the factory. I cleaned up the channels, and did not re-grease them. Another post on here suggested the spray lubricant used on motorcycle chains.