OK so I have almost 20k on my car '07. Everytime I drive it I put the top down. I have been noticing the wear on the top. They basically are from parts of the top that rub against each other when the top is down. Now, I'm thinking that whenever I put the top down, I'd raise it back up slightly, say about an inch to lessen the rubbing while driving. Thoughts? Any of you folks do this?

 

By not opening the top all the way you are mimicking the problem that happens when your elastic straps wear out - eventually the latches will wear a hole in the top.

You might be lessening the tension/rubbing in some areas but causing premature wear in other areas.

 

Thanks. As I understand it though, the elastic strap issue is caused by the middle bar not moving when the soft top is being lowered. What I do is I push this bar down while the top is being lowered. Can you direct me to a post that states the bar causing the tear when the top is not lowered all the way?

 

Nope you have it right - as long as that middle bar sits in the right position it shouldn't be a problem. I can't say for sure that it's not causing stress/tension anywhere else though.

I wouldn't worry about it too much though - a few years ago I noticed small stressed parts on my top where the vinyl is wrinkled or shiny like it's been stretched or rubbing against something - but even after a few years of lowering and raising my top several times a day - the stressed looking parts haven't worn thru.

 

Good to know!

 

I'd worry about the worm gears holding the top up - every time it bounces it fatigues the gear on the motor (maybe enough to be a problem?)