DIESELVET

Dieselvet: You can use the overall length of the opposite side pushrod as a starting point for the length of the new pushrod. If the front edge of the convertible top mates up evenly (on both sides) with the top horizontal part of the windshield frame, AND there isn't the beginning of a retraction of the front roof edge away from the top of the windshield frame when the motor stops driving the top, then you have the pushrods set at their correct lengths. You can lubricate the ball cups/steel balls and the pivot points of the clamshell arm/V-levers/rear (black) pushrods with Dupont Krytox or white lithium grease, and also spray some white lithium grease in the channel on the inside of each rear quarter panel in which the steel ball at the bottom end of the body-colored clamshell support arm rides back and forth. Cleaning all of those points before lubricating them will also help reduce friction and wear and tear on the parts. Test that there is smooth operation of the convertible frame part of your top by disconnecting all four pushrods and trying to move the top through its range with everything disconnected. If it is in proper working order, you should be able to move the top with just your pinky supporting the center of either the front or the bottom edge of the top. Also double check that all of the plastic bushes (bushings) that act as inserts where the ends of the black hydraulic pushrods are pushed through one of the metal arms are intact, along with the same arrangement at a few other points. I have sent you a PM with the info for the plastic ball cups. Very Important: Don't forget to verify that the broken pushrod did not puncture or tear the foam drain tray on that side if the top was operated with a broken "dangling" pushrod. Any tear or rip in the drain tray can result in water in the cabin, where it will find its way to the immobilizer under the seat. Regards, Maurice. Hi Maurice, Thanks very much for your detailed reply and PM. I'll tackle this problem over the holidays. Best wishes to you and yours. Ed.

I have just purchased a 2006 Boxster S and noticed the passenger side white ball is broken. The top works and the previous owner had both rods replaced 2 years ago. Is there a way to prolong the longevity of these rods such as lubrication of the top mechanism or is there a calibration I can do to set the length of the rod just right. I'm a little reluctant just to copy the length of the other rods since there is no guarantee they were properly adjusted in the first instance. I would greatly appreciate a PM with the contact details of the gentleman in Europe that sells just the white plastic part. Thanks in advance to Maurice for any help and for his most helpful posts on the subject.