Hello all,

I think I have found what the problem was but I am not sure what the solution is. After lots of testing I found out the following:

If when I am doing 100 mph (very very loud noise coming from the top of the windshield) I pull the top towards the windshield the noise stops. When I let go, the noise comes back.

So the noise comes from the top not being tighlty closed. Looking at the car from the outside one can see that the top is not 100% in-line with the top of the windshield.

Soooo... What is wrong? I checked the latches but I could not figure out any way they might be loose. There is nothing in the latch design that can come loose or anything that can be adjusted. However, the two metal parts (one on each side) on the windshield where the latches grab seem to be the problem.

Each part is like a U upside down. The metal part of the latch that grabs it comes in contact with the lowest point of the U-shaped metal hole. In my car the middle part, where the latch grabs is about half a centimeter lower due to metal rubbing on metal.

Has anyone seen this before? Is this a common problem? Are these replaceable? Anyone knows how they are attached to the windshield frame?

Thanks,
Michael

ps. I will try post pictures later today

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mpikounis
[B]If when I am doing 100 mph (very very loud noise coming from the top of the windshield) I pull the top towards the windshield the noise stops. When I let go, the noise comes back.

 

It may simply be that the seals are all dry and just need to be lubed. I find they don't seal as well if I forget to lube them, so if your car was exposed to a lot of top down sun at the dealer before you got it could be the problem. The manual specifies that silicone grease should be used every three to six months.

 

what year is your S?? If it has been retro-fitted or vandalized w/out you knowing it when
you bought it, it is very hard to put a new conv. top on perfect. My S has been retro-fitted
and at 100+ I have the same prob. but there is nothing you can do that I know of? just
put the top down when you go that fast or just turn the music up

AEW

 

The car is a '02 model. It is about 1 1/2 year old. The problem with the top I think is rather common here in Greece. Unfortunately most of our roads are bumpy and driving a car like the S here puts a lot of strain on the top. The two metal parts (2 on each side) that come in contact when the top is locked rub with each other and eventually they don't do the job properly.

I have ordered new latches and hopefully they will solve all of my problems.

 

not the right forum i know but what kinda top speeds are you all getting outta your cars... top up or down either or.. doesnt matter... ive hit like 140 but didnt seem like it had the balls to do anything else