What could cause this (top push rods)?

[johnjack11]

What could cause push rods to bend so badly? Could it have been a partially latched top?

I wanted to get some opinions before I fit the new ones.

Thanks,

Edited May 17, 2012 by johnjack11

[1schoir]

The V-levers exert a tremendous amount of force when driven by the transmissions.

A partially latched top, where the latch catches in the receptacle as opposed to releasing completely, could possibly cause the front pushrods to bend, but more likely would cause the plastic ball cup on the end of the pushrod to break apart, as in your photo.

More often, after the plastic ball cup breaks, if you continue to operate the top, the pushrod will bend when it is jammed against the foam drain tray (and the body panel underneath), tearing the drain tray in the process. Before you install new pushrods, be sure to inspect your foam drain trays very carefully for any rips, holes or tears. If that has happened, you will get water into the cabin the next time it rains or you wash your Boxster. The water will find its way under the driver's seat, where it will promptly fry your central immobilizer unit.

Although Porsche only sells the pushrods as complete assembly, there is a guy in the Netherlands who has had the plastic ball cups manufactured. PM me for the info if you need it. You can probably straighten out the bent pushrod in the photo and it will work as good as new with a new plastic ball cup.

If you get new pushrods, be careful to match the overall length of the new ones to the old ones as that length affects how the leading edge of the top meets the windshield frame.

Regards, Maurice.

[johnjack11]

No holes in the foam, got the push rods back in. All seems good to go now.

Once thing I noticed when removing the broken rods, they were a bit loose and had quite a bit of lateral play in them.

Thanks again Maurice, once again appreciate the quick and helpful anser.

Jack

Edited May 18, 2012 by johnjack11