Folding Top Panel Front Link Replacement

Folding Top Panel Front Link Replacement

Removal Procedure




1. Manually open the folding top as shown in the illustration. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation (Folding Top Manual Operation).
The distance (A) from the windshield header to the leading edge of the folding top panel is 430 mm (17 in).
2. Place a protective covering over the interior and the adjacent body panels.
3. With the aid of an assistant, support the folding top to prevent the top from moving when you remove the strut actuator.





Caution: Apply pressure only at the end of the strut actuator that you are removing or attaching. DO NOT apply pressure to the middle of the rod because damage or bending will result.

4. Use a small flat-bladed tool to lift the retainer clip (1) on the lower pivot link bracket side (2) of the strut actuator.
5. Remove the strut actuator (1) from the ball joint on the lower pivot link bracket (2).
6. Remove the front panel link trim from the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Front Panel Link Trim Cover Replacement (Folding Top Front Panel Link Trim Cover Replacement).
7. Remove the quarter window. Refer to Folding Top Quarter Window Replacement (Service and Repair).
8. Remove the folding top position switch. Refer to Folding Top Position Switch Replacement (Service and Repair).
9. Remove the front folding top panel. Refer to Folding Top Front Panel Replacement (Folding Top Front Panel Replacement).
10. Remove the rear folding top panel. Refer to Folding Top Rear Panel Replacement (Folding Top Rear Panel Replacement).




11. Remove the spring clip (2) from the quarter window adjuster pin (1).




12. Remove the pin (1) from the quarter window adjuster (2).




13. Remove the quarter window adjuster (1) from the lower pivot link bracket (2).
Using a grease pencil, mark the location of the tie wraps holding the hydraulic hoses and the electrical wires to the link.




14. Remove the idler link spring clip (1).
15. Remove the idler link pin (2).




16. Remove the bracket bolt (1) from the lower pivot link. Because of tight clearance conditions (2) you need not remove the bolt completely from the vehicle.
17. Remove the lower pivot link bracket from the vehicle.
18. Support the link to prevent the link from swinging down when you remove the hold-down link from the folding top panel.
19. Remove the hold-down link. Refer to Folding Top Panel Hold Down Link Replacement - Front (Folding Top Panel Hold Down Link Replacement - Front).
20. Remove the folding top panel link from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

1. Position the folding top panel link to the vehicle.
2. Install the hold-down link. Refer to Folding Top Panel Hold Down Link Replacement - Front (Folding Top Panel Hold Down Link Replacement - Front).





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

3. Apply LOCTITE(TM) Blue, GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to the bolts.
4. Position the lower pivot link bracket to the vehicle. Secure with the bracket bolt (1) and tighten to 36 Nm (27 lb ft).




5. Install the idler link pin (2).
6. Install the idler link spring clip (1).
7. Secure the hydraulic hoses and the electrical wires to the link with new tie wraps in the original locations indicated by the grease marks.
8. Install the rear folding top panel. Refer to Folding Top Rear Panel Replacement (Folding Top Rear Panel Replacement).
9. Install the front folding top panel. Refer to Folding Top Front Panel Replacement (Folding Top Front Panel Replacement).




10. Install the quarter window adjuster (1) to the pivot link bracket (2).




11. Install the pin (1) to the quarter window adjuster (2).




12. Install the spring clip (2) to the quarter window adjuster pin (1).
13. Install the folding top quarter window. Refer to Folding Top Quarter Window Replacement (Service and Repair).
14. Install the folding top position switch. Refer to Folding Top Position Switch Replacement (Service and Repair).
15. Install the front panel link to the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Front Panel Link Trim Cover Replacement (Folding Top Front Panel Link Trim Cover Replacement).




16. Manually move the folding top as shown in the illustration.
Dimension (A) is 430 mm (17 in) from the windshield header to the leading edge of the folding top panel.





Caution: Apply pressure only at the end of the strut actuator that you are removing or attaching. DO NOT apply pressure to the middle of the rod because damage or bending will result.

17. Install the strut actuator (1) to the ball joint on the lower pivot link bracket (2).
18. Manually close the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation (Folding Top Manual Operation).
19. Verify that the folding top panels are aligned properly. If necessary adjust the folding top panels. Refer to Folding Top Clearance Gap Specifications (Folding Top Clearance Gap Specifications).
20. Remove the protective covering.
21. Cycle the folding top under power through one complete cycle in both directions.
22. Inspect the folding top for proper operation. Refer to Power Folding Top Description and Operation (Power Folding Top Description and Operation).