Body - White Marks on Convertible Top
SI M 54 01 05Special Roofs
December 2005
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. M54 01 05 dated June 2005.
[NEW]Designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
White Marks on the Convertible Top Fabric
MODEL
R52 (Cooper and Cooper S Convertible) produced prior to February 2005.
SITUATION
Chaffing and white marks may appear after a few cycles of convertible top operations. The white marks may appear in the areas shown.
Note:
Not all vehicles will exhibit these white marks due to manufacturing tolerances and complex installation procedure.
CAUSE
The convertible top sits too low when in the stowed position. This causes the weight of the convertible top frame to rest on the fabric. The weight and tension of the frame mechanisms on the fabric, combined with the movement of the convertible top when driving over bumps, create the white wear marks.
CORRECTION
The following procedures are only to be carried out if the customer complains of white marks in the exact areas specified in the "SITUATION" section of this bulletin.
^ Replace the convertible top fabric.
^ Replace outer rear window cavity trim.
^ Replace or install components according to the production date of the vehicle:
PROCEDURE
Preliminary task:
^ Remove convertible top fabric by following Repair Procedure RA 54 34 120.
Carry out additional steps 1 through 5 according to the chart shown.
1. Replace the funnel insert located in the centering cup.
Note:
Do not loosen the screw (1) under the funnel insert. Using a screwdriver, lift the funnel insert (2) out of the centering cup.
Place a small amount of Super-Glue on the outside of the new funnel insert, then install it into the centering cup (2). Repeat procedure on the opposite side of the vehicle.
2. Replace and adjust the set screw on the main bearing by following the adjustment procedure located in SI M54 06 05.
3. Install shims for main bearing.
Remove left and right side outer window cavity strips by following Repair Instructions RA 51 37 240. Check gap dimension (A1) between edge of body panel (1) and seal carrier (2).
A1 = 4.5 mm plusmn; 1.0 mm If required, install shim in order to achieve proper dimension.
To install the shim, remove rear interior side trim by following Repair Instruction RA 51 43 002.
Position the convertible top frame so that the retaining nuts (1) are accessible. Loosen, but do not remove retaining nuts (l).
Slide in shim (1) between body panel (2) and main bearing (3) until the shim is resting on the studs of the main bearing. If required, repeat procedure on the opposite side of the vehicle.
NOTE:
A maximum of 2 shims may be inserted on each side of the vehicle. Torque nuts to 18.5 mm.
4. Install lug extension onto the support linkage.
Open convertible top to the halfway position. Clean off inside of support linkage (3) using rubbing alcohol. Remove plastic protection from adhesive (2) on lug extension (1). Glue the lug extension (1) by pressing the adhesive (2) firmly onto the inside of the support linkage (3).
5. Replace convertible top tension bar bearings on both sides of the vehicle by following repair instructions RA 54 34 378.
Install a new convertible top fabric by following Repair Instructions RA 54 34 120.
Replace left and right side outer rear window cavity strips by following Repair Instructions RA 51 37 240.
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the MINI New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Reimbursement for these repairs will be via the normal claim entry.