Roof hydraulics leak

[RobbiZ4]

Originally Posted by RobbiZ4

...
At least, there are only 4 hinges in the parallelogram of the roof shell. With opened pressure screws (max.1 - 1.5 turns) the roof shell should be movable by 2 persons in parallel without any sticking. I will give it a try on my car asap.

In addition, I will get checked if the bolts of the hinges can be opened and cleaned by yourself...

Got it checked:
- the roof shell moves absolutely smoothly without any sticking, no additional grease should be required for a correct working roof
- the bolts of the 4 hinges should not get touched by U
- check for misplaced zips

[Paolo B]

Thanks Robbi. We're going to have a closer look as soon as my mechanic has some time. I'll let you know what we determine. There is definitely something interfering with the travel. As you say, possibly a zip tie in the wrong location or possibly some debris that made its way into the area and is now possibly causing an obstruction.

[Paolo B]

Robbi, I think I might have discovered the problem. I operated the roof several times today and watched the operation very closely. The roof seems to "stick" in the same two spots consistently. So, I stopped the operation at the points in which it sticks and compared the right side (where the problem is) to the left side. I examined the snap ties, to see if any of the ones on the right side are in different locations than the left side as this could possibly indicate an obstruction as you previously suggested. One seems to be in a different location however I don't believe that it is making a difference. Then, I noticed an orange coloured washer. It appears to be a lock washer and it is located at a joint. The one on the right side is very loose. I can move it easily with my finger. The one on the left side is tight. I believe the mechanism may be slipping at two points during the travel, possibly because of a broken or loose lock washer. Please look at the pictures that I have posted and let me know if you think this could be the problem and if so what do you believe would be the procedure to replace or tighten that.

[Paolo B]

Robbi, here are the pictures. Please let me know what you think. Paolo

[RobbiZ4]

Ciao Paolo,

Unfortunately I cant identify the location you mentioned, as I've never seen this problem before. Can you point me to the exakt position by an arrow on the pics or post a more sharpened photo?

On the last photo it looks a bit oily, doesn't it?

[RobbiZ4]

Got the videos, thanks. Will have a closer look at it tonight.

[RobbiZ4]

Ciao Paolo,
how did you solve your roof issue?

[atayl030]

Thanks for the great posts. What is the name of the shop you used? I'm in Cali now but headed back to the midwest after the new year. My Z4 leaks and the dealership gave me a crazy quote.