Convertible top headliner, removing and installing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 14 other vehicles, including the 2009 Audi S4, 2009 Audi A4, 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, and 2008 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tools - Convertible Top Headliner, Removing And Installing

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Closing Pliers VAS 6138
Staple Gun VAS 6148 with Replacement Staples F/VAS6148 VAS 6148/1
Pop rivet pliers VAS 5072

Removing

NOTE:

Convertible top, parts designations → Convertible top - parts designations

Fig 2: Bringing Convertible Top Into Center Position

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Bring convertible top into center position.

Fig 3: Removing Bolts & Retaining Strip With Seal

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove bolts - arrows -.
Remove seal sideways out of seal carrier.
Remove retaining strip - 1 - with seal.

Fig 4: Removing Bolt & Securing Profile From Rail

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Remove bolt - A -.
Remove securing profile - B - from rail - C -.

NOTE:

The tensioning cable and front strap on convertible top are fastened together with bolt - A -.

Fig 5: Removing Rivet From Eyelet & Rubber Cable From Eyelet On Inner Side Of Roof Guide

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove rivet - 1 - from eyelet.
Remove rubber cable - 2 - from eyelet - 3 - on inner side of roof guide "2".

Fig 6: Disengaging Tensioning Cable From Spring And Pulling Through Eyelet On Rear End Of Roof Guide And Forward

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Disengage tensioning cable from spring - arrow - and pull through eyelet on rear end of roof guide and forward.

NOTE:

The spring is visible at the rear end of the roof guide "2" when the convertible top is brought into center position.

Fig 7: Identifying Cable Tie, Tensioning Cable & Rivet

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Loosen cable tie - 1 -.
Fold hose back and disengage tensioning cable - 2 -.
Remove rivet - 3 -.
Remove tensioning bands from sealing element bushings on convertible top frame.

Fig 8: Locating Guide Bracket Upper Bolted Connection

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Loosen guide bracket upper bolted connection - 1 - and disengage strap - 2 -.

Fig 9: Removing Convertible Top Headliner Plastic Strips From Roof Rail

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Remove convertible top headliner plastic strips from roof rail "2" and "3".

Fig 10: Clamping Replacement Staples VAS 6148/1 Onto Ends Of Zip Fasteners

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Clamp Replacement Staples VAS 6148/1 onto ends of zip fasteners - arrow -.
Pull zip fasteners apart.

NOTE:

Ensure zip fastener is not damaged.

Fig 11: Drilling Convertible Top Headliner Tab Rivet On Bracket & Removing Convertible Top Headliner Securing Strip From Groove In Bracket

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Drill convertible top headliner tab rivet - 1 - on bracket.
Remove convertible top headliner securing strip - 2 - from groove in bracket.
Remove convertible top headliner from rear window guide frame. Ensure no clips remain in rear window guide frame.

NOTE:

Replace faulty clips.

Installing

Fig 12: Bringing Convertible Top Into Center Position

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Bring convertible top into center position.

Fig 13: Checking Whether Clips Are Located Completely In Convertible Top Headliner Frame

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Check whether clips - 1 - are located completely in convertible top headliner frame.
Press convertible top headliner frame into rear window frame with wide pliers.

Fig 14: Ensuring Center Markings Align

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

When closing zip fastener, ensure center markings - arrows - align.

The remaining convertible top headliner installation is done in reverse order.

NOTE:

Ensure all convertible top components are positioned and function properly.
Perform function test.

Tightening torques → Convertible top headliner - assembly overview or → Attachments - assembly overview .