CLK 208 Soft Top tension Cable replacement

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Miffy

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Location
Bromley, London
Your Mercedes
CLK 320 CAB Elegance C208
My Soft top started to have the problem where it would not always stay up once pushed the first 8 inches, and would also slam shut when closing instead of needing to be pulled shut.

The cause of this problem is that one, or both of the tension cables has snapped. Its a short cable, about 18 inches long, a nipple at one end to be secured in the metal frame at the rear apex of the roof, and the other end has a large tube (6 inches long) that bolts to the section at the front of the roof, under the trim.

Tools needed, Philips Screwdriver, 10mm socket and T10 torx.

First off, this is where my problem area was, the nipple had pulled off the end of the cable.
000fgy.jpg


Next, go and buy a new one, £80 each side, so do check if you need just the one, or both sides.
001qbyy.jpg


Raise the bow, and switch off the ignition leaving the roof still folded. Remove the four philips screws.
002xpg.jpg


With a T10 torx, unscrew the bolt that holds the roof catch handle
003oby.jpg


The actual threaded section is around 12mm so apply a downward pressure on the handle and it should soon slide out
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Carefully prise off the trim, taking care with the four plastic retainers.
005zrg.jpg


With that trim panel removed, take out the two small philips screws that holds the lower cloth trim in place, fold out of the way and the 10mm nut that secures the cable is now exposed.
006zui.jpg


Operate the roof until it reaches this position, any lower and it will close itself under gravity, you have been warned.
007amo.jpg


Remove the 10mm nut, and remove the tubed end of the cable, taking note of the path through the trim that it travels.

At the rear of the apex in the roof, locate and remove the other end of the cable, taking care to not lose the nipple retaining clip that is in two halves.
008xf.jpg


Thread the nipple end through from the front of the roof first, through the openings in the lining, and through the hole in the roof frame.
009ez.jpg


Now reattach the two halves of the retaining clip just above the nipple, and push it back into the hole until its fully seated.
010xo.jpg



Now you are done, refit the tubed end, securing the 10mm nut, lower the roof, leaving the bow standing upright and refit the rest of the trim.

Total time was around 30m, this included stopping to take pictures.
 
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