sun roof maintenance?

[Algernon]

I opened the sun roof yesterday (for the first time in 3 years) and noticed the motor was having a real hard time moving.
So I assume it needs maintenance. But what? I don't want oil (or WD40) getting on the head liner - so what is safe procedure?
Can I get access through the head liner zip, or from outside? I hope this is simple and not a total demolition job! All help appreciated.

[Pato911]

There is a good tech article on the site and in the 101 projects. It is a good start for cleaning and diagnosing.

[Discseven]

Entire sun roof system comes apart in less than half an hour. If it's been sitting for years... probably a good idea to look into it. Besides cleaning and lubricating cables, and checking motor (run it without cables and see how it sounds. Should be brisk sound.... not struggling)... Once roof section is out, look to the back inside sunroof's cavity and you'll see the roof's drain holes... unless they're plugged up. They're in teh corners. They probably need to be reamed clean. Motor is accessed through zipper. As I recall, there's a release of some sort by motor that allows cables to come out. Some do not like lubricating these cables. I do. Red grease. Surly other lubes will work. Don't use white s***. It dries up and turns to cake. Clean electric terminals. Will be glad to tell you how to take roof off over phone---much easier than writing instructions out. (PM me.) Or, perhaps they're in the forum somewhere. This is a simple project---don't let it intimidate.

Will post some pics if I can find them. EDIT: No pics.

[kees]

Removal of roof section is simple, maybe this will help

Sagging sunroofliner repar


Kees

[Algernon]

Originally Posted by Discseven

Entire sun roof system comes apart in less than half an hour. If it's been sitting for years... probably a good idea to look into it. Besides cleaning and lubricating cables, and checking motor (run it without cables and see how it sounds. Should be brisk sound.... not struggling)... Once roof section is out, look to the back inside sunroof's cavity and you'll see the roof's drain holes... unless they're plugged up. They're in teh corners. They probably need to be reamed clean. Motor is accessed through zipper. As I recall, there's a release of some sort by motor that allows cables to come out. Some do not like lubricating these cables. I do. Red grease. Surly other lubes will work. Don't use white s***. It dries up and turns to cake. Clean electric terminals. Will be glad to tell you how to take roof off over phone---much easier than writing instructions out. (PM me.) Or, perhaps they're in the forum somewhere. This is a simple project---don't let it intimidate.

Will post some pics if I can find them. EDIT: No pics.

Have PM'd you. Thanks

[Spumato]

You will probably want to upgrade the cabling to 964 cables for improvement in operation and longevity.