sunroof armature rattling

[TheSecondChris]

I've taken the sunroof mechanism apart a few times. The first couple of times I was trying to repair the functionality, which I did. The last time was chasing an annoying rattle sound.

I did an experiment today and the sound is worse when the arms are fully retracted in the position allowing for the panel to be removed.

The rattle is almost completely gone when the arms are moved into the "locked" position that is used to keep the panel in place.

I guess the rear end of the arm is flapping around when fully retracted. I guess I'll take it all apart again and see what can be done. I had it all apart a few weeks ago and everything was tight, i.e. no loose bolts that I could find. Is there a wear item that needs to be replaced or maybe I could stuff some thick grease inside to stop the rattle?

Anyone else found this to be a problem? Thanks!

BTW: 87 turbo with electric operated roof.

[TheSecondChris]

I think I'll try replacing the lower guide plates. They are available new and cost only around $10 each, so worth a try.

#3 in the diagram below.

[Monkey Wrench]

I know little about hte sunroof but I have seen DC motors for the wipers or window motors where I took the motor apart to see the magnets had come loose. then the motor would run , very slow but operate. upon disassembly of the motor I found one of the magnets unglued from its outer case.

it normally has an air gap between the motor's armature and it's magnets. with the magnets unstuck they were rubbing on the armature, slowing it, polishing it from the contact ( proof what was happening) but miraculously the motor still ran.. fixed by re-gluing the magnets back in, ( clean well and then JB weld) perhaps cause by rust in the motor..

if the motor is noisy I;d disassemble it for inspection.. I wasn't clear if the "armature" you referred to was the armature of the motor or if the reference was to something else..

it might have brushes to be careful of when disassembling.. I dont see them wearing out unless it gets actually opened a lot.

[TheSecondChris]

Thanks. The motor is located in the back of the car inside the rear quarterpanel.