NB Softtop Roof Locks coming loose.

davidsgiles · Postby **davidsgiles** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 2:24 pm

There are a few forums about how to fix loose roof locks on a NB but the one with the run through of "how to" has had the pictures removed. Mine shakes almost to the point of coming loose particularly on Sydney roads which is getting scary in the rain. Anyone have a quick fix.

Garry · Postby **Garry** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 2:37 pm

If the latch is loose you just need to adjust the adjusting nut. If you open the latch you will see a plastic lock thing covering a long 10mm nut. You might find that the adjusting nut has a dab of white paint on it. Flip up the plastic lock and turn the nut with your hand, push the plastic lock back down and try to lock the roof. If it's looser repeat the procedure but turn the nut the other way, if it's to tight loosen it a little. With a bit of trial and error you will find the right tension. You probably wont need to turn the adjuster much to get it right.

If the latch is worn and wont stay locked then you need to do a bit more work. There are repair guides on Miatanet and also on here.

Hammer · Postby **Hammer** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 4:11 pm

Here's a "How to guide" from Miata.net.

wun911 · Postby **wun911** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 4:27 pm

I tried that guide I didnt have much success...

davidsgiles · Postby **davidsgiles** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 8:46 pm

Cheers I will give it a go on the weekend. Are the pictures on the miata.net link of an NA as they look different to my NB.

Hammer · Postby **Hammer** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:36 pm

davidsgiles wrote:...Are the pictures on the miata.net link of an NA as they look different to my NB.

They look like the ones in my NB. But then again, I have not compared them up close.

The only difference that I can see between my NA and NB is in the NA there is the word "Push" on the latch. But physically. i thought they're the same.

davidsgiles · Postby **davidsgiles** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 10:58 am

Found this link which seems to explain it better. http://www.miata.net/garage/latch_adjust.html

Will try both on the weekend.

Hammer · Postby **Hammer** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 1:07 pm

davidsgiles wrote:Found this link which seems to explain it better. http://www.miata.net/garage/latch_adjust.html

Will try both on the weekend.

This links is a manual adjustment for the latch tension. However it does not fix the issue of lock not locking in place (ie. pressing the button first before you can open it).

Good luck on the repairs.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 6:03 pm

Hammer wrote:This links is a manual adjustment for the latch tension. However it does not fix the issue of lock not locking in place (ie. pressing the button first before you can open it).

that's not a major issue, my driver's side latch has never had the lock button work properly even when I first bought the car.
I've never had any issues with the latch coming open, or even coming loose.

davidsgiles · Postby **davidsgiles** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:52 am

The tension for the latch is now fixed with a few twists and now hitting a bump mid corner does not require one hand on either latch

and rain coming in.

The locking mechanism has never worked so I hadn't thought it was part of the fix. I will re look at the links and see if it helps as well. Does the lock slow down the ability to open the roof when seated. I like the fact that I can jump in pop the latches and drive off.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:03 pm

davidsgiles wrote:Does the lock slow down the ability to open the roof when seated. I like the fact that I can jump in pop the latches and drive off.

not particularly, my passenger side one works still and all it needs is a finger to press the lock button at the same time as flipping the latch.
it literally takes less than a second.

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 3:14 pm

hks_kansei wrote:that's not a major issue, my driver's side latch has never had the lock button work properly even when I first bought the car.
I've never had any issues with the latch coming open, or even coming loose.

The lock buttons in my NB also dont work, and having the left latch pop off at nearly 200kmh on the front straight at Phillip Island is not a fun thing to experience... :shock:

I've now added a blob of JB weld to the latch to form a lump so it cannot open without using the lock button. (Adjusting made no difference to mine..)

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 4:09 pm

rascal wrote:The lock buttons in my NB also dont work, and having the left latch pop off at nearly 200kmh on the front straight at Phillip Island is not a fun thing to experience...

I've now added a blob of JB weld to the latch to form a lump so it cannot open without using the lock button. (Adjusting made no difference to mine..)

true, if you track the car it would be highly recommended to have them working (or duct tape them down)

but on teh road, (where you dont reach 200) it's not that important.

MX5CHIC · Postby **MX5CHIC** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:43 pm

I had the same problem when I bought my car - I used a metal filling compound then filed it down to simulate a new locking catch then re-painted it.
That was 3 years ago and it still works 100%.


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