Frickin’ sunroofs.

[Swervin_Mervin]

Had the sunroof out yesterday. I though that releasing the bolts would just let me take off the plasticc surround, didnt realise the whole thing came out!

So Ive silicon sealed under the outer plastic. Fingers crossed. Went to go out in the car on Sun and noticed the headlining was soaked so went in the g/fs. When I got back I turned the car round (as its on a slight slope) and could hear gallons of water swooshing down the pillars, before it all pissed through in to the cabin. Bummer. Hopefully the silicon will sort it.

Noticed that my L-plater doesnt have any drainage holes though. Will this give me problems in future, regardless of whether its sealed ok?

The cogs are also slipping when it gets to the tilt phase of opening/closing and so thats what is making the ratchety noise. Had it apart and cleaned it but I think the cogs must be slightly worn as its still doing it. Quality renault engineering BTW. 2 bits of loose cork padding to space the motor from the bracket!

Does anyone know if the springy mechanism that sits inside the metal tubes (I think the cogs turn these springs which are connected to the glass) are supposed to be full of some type of fibre between the coils? Need to get this sorted as its pissing me off now, and if I cant close it I might get caught short one day.



P.S. Those fibre-glass lacerations off the headlining are a right nightmare. I was itching for hours afterwards.

 

[JAY172]

the mechanism inside the tubes operates the glass mechanism plates at either side. the glass is either screwed to these plates or held on by allen keys. Make sure the motors positioned correctly and all the sunroof mechanism moving parts are well lubricated. I know what you mean about the itching,proper pisses you off for hours after.

 

[Swervin_Mervin]

Cheers J. It all looked well lubed, but trouble occurs mainly when it tries to close from the tilt position. Slides back and forth no trouble. The teeth of the gear cog (the metal one not the plastic one) looked fine. But I cant suss whether its slipping aginst these springy things. Are the springs in the tubes meant to be full of fibre-y stuff BTW?

And do you know if the drainage holes or lack of will be a problem?

 

[JAY172]

some older clios didnt have drain holes they just relied on the seals keeping the water out. later ones have drains on the frames(probably when renault realised the roofs leak like f**k so instead of fixing it they just made somewhere for the water to go).these drains can get blocked with dirt,just poor some water down the frame channels and make sure it drains away.the drains are on the front corners of the frame and can be seen with the roof open. have a look at the glass when it comes down from tilt to make sure it doesnt catch on the plastic frame(the glass position can be adjusted).sounds like the mechanism has a stiff point or the springy things in the metal tubes must be worn making the motor slip. turn the ing off at the point where it starts to slip so the motor stops. remove the motor and have a look at the section of the springy thing its on now to see if its worn/damaged. not sure about this fibre stuff but im guessing it should be there as a dampener or something.

 

[Swervin_Mervin]

Cheers Jay. Will do. The frame definitely doesnt have the drainage channels. Just 2 ribberised corners at each side on the front. Feckers. Hopefully the silicon will do its stuff.

 

[JAY172]

i posted the part number of a seal for the frames a while ago(seal between frame and vehicle roof). it was about £30. do a search as i cant remember the part number off hand.

 

[Swervin_Mervin]

Yeah. That was in response to me I think. Couldnt wait to order it as I had several gallons of water pissing down my pillars inside, and then over the tops of the plastic pillar trim, all over the dash and footwell.

It was quite a sight! Ive never been under so much moving water. I could just hear this slooosh before bracing myself for the impending torrent. No wonder theres electrical gremlins as well!

 

[JAY172]

your not alone mate,the sunroofs in new cars leak just as bad. bloody renaults!