Boxster S Convertible Top Failure

Had this poor little Boxster come in with a broken top. These cars are known for weak convertible top transmissions and cables, and this one decided to let go with the top up…..right in the middle of the nice weather we are having here in KC no less. There are a couple failure modes on these transmissions. Sometimes you get lucky and just the cables let go, other times the transmissions lock up and take the cables with them. This one had a right side transmission lock up and took the cable out. Since we were going to have it all apart, it just made sense to replace all the components and be done with it.

The trick is getting to the rear assembly when everything is non mobile. Obviously one side will move, but you don’t want to tweak the lid too much. With skinny enough arms, some of us lucky ones can sneak in and remove the bolt off the transmission to allow the top to move freely. Sometimes you get your arm stuck and are the only one at the shop……then things get even more interesting.

The two transmissions are driven by a central motor and two cables.

Peeling back the guts to get to the top transmission.

And out of the car.

After the passenger side was installed, it was time to replace the driver side.

And done. Most of the time is spent getting the two transmissions timed evenly, which is a bit of a fine art.

BoxsterConvertiblePorscheProblemtoptransmission