How to remove the softtop? Must replace hoses, water inside!

DolomiteGreyTT · Aug 29, 2012

We want to replace the waterhoses to solve the wetness in the boot. We have already done the spoiler with new rubbers and new kit.

This hose still works:

The one on the other side is causing al the problems:

Ofcourse we're going to replace them both. I've asked the Audi-dealer to do this for me, but they haven't got any time.

The way to do it, is to remove the softtop. So my question is, has anyone ever removed their softtop?

DolomiteGreyTT · Aug 29, 2012

bump, improved topic title

jamman · Aug 29, 2012

When I get in I will check I have details/info somewhere

Gazzer · Aug 29, 2012

i bet Hoggy is looking for the pages now from his bentley manual

DolomiteGreyTT · Aug 30, 2012

That would be awesome. It's a common problem. I've become literally sick of all the wet mold in my Roadster. It's a weird system by the way, all the water gets in:

The driptrays collect the water, and then the water goes to the wheel arces through the hoses:

Ronsgonebiking · Aug 30, 2012

I don't think I would trust that jack, working under or near the car, dont look safe :-o
Ron

bigsyd · Aug 30, 2012

DolomiteGreyTT said:
That would be awesome. It's a common problem. I've become literally sick of all the wet mold in my Roadster. It's a weird system by the way, all the water gets in:

The driptrays collect the water, and then the water goes to the wheel arces through the hoses:

Just some info for others, in picture 3 the cable that is hanging down( heated rear screen) on my old roadster it had become dislodged and was hanging outside the catch tray and the water dripped onto the cable and then missed the tray causing the boot and shelf to be soaking...it was a bitch to find the problem :x

Hoggy · Aug 31, 2012

Hi, This may help..Best of luck.

Hoggy.

DolomiteGreyTT · Aug 31, 2012

Awesomeness [smiley=book2.gif] Thanks a lot! I'll take pics and I'll keep you updated!

paul_cymru · Aug 31, 2012

I've bought the new hoses but haven't fitted them yet ... I was planning to remove the storage box at the back of the boot to gain access to the top of the hose/drip tray?

Super Josh · Aug 31, 2012

paul_cymru said:
I've bought the new hoses but haven't fitted them yet ... I was planning to remove the storage box at the back of the boot to gain access to the top of the hose/drip tray?

No that won't work, you need to access them from the passenger compartment

SJ

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

paul_cymru · Aug 31, 2012

ok, so ... going by the two manual pages above (from Hoggy's post), if you remove the trim panels behind the seats, can you get access then ... or is there more to it (besides removing the wheels and arch liner of course)?

jhon · Aug 31, 2012

I had the same problem and managed to replace the hoses without removing the softtop. It can be done by using a piece of string through the new drainage tube and pulling it and the tube up through the bottom hole in the wheelwell (from inside the car.)
I'm sorry I don't have any pics or a better write-up of the procedure - but I can assure you it can be done (You'll need an assistant inside the car). There's a larger grommet up from the bottom hole which can be used to help guide the tube/catch the string. I covered my drainage tube in heat shrinkwrap to help prevent it perforating again - it also stiffens it up for guiding up through the bottom hole (ooh-er that sounds a bit fruity.)

Good luck - it is fiddly, but it is possible.

jamman · Aug 31, 2012

Sorry I forgot my apologies matey I see Hoggy helped out cheers mate :wink:

DolomiteGreyTT · Sep 1, 2012

jhon said:
I had the same problem and managed to replace the hoses without removing the softtop. It can be done by using a piece of string through the new drainage tube and pulling it and the tube up through the bottom hole in the wheelwell (from inside the car.)
I'm sorry I don't have any pics or a better write-up of the procedure - but I can assure you it can be done (You'll need an assistant inside the car). There's a larger grommet up from the bottom hole which can be used to help guide the tube/catch the string. I covered my drainage tube in heat shrinkwrap to help prevent it perforating again - it also stiffens it up for guiding up through the bottom hole (ooh-er that sounds a bit fruity.)

Good luck - it is fiddly, but it is possible.

Thanks for the help! Good to hear it's not necessary to remove the softtop. Great idea to protect the drainage tubes from perforating!

DolomiteGreyTT · Sep 4, 2012

Collected the hoses and got some shrinkwrap as well:

YELLOW_TT · Sep 4, 2012

Show to with pics would be great if you could do one

DolomiteGreyTT · Sep 9, 2012

Been busy today. First the shrinkwraps:

100 times better than the old ones:

Removing panels:

Tight work:

New hose:

Need to fit the new hose to this piece, with a rope:

First we put the rope in, then we started fishing for the rope:

Let's see, where's the rope:

There it is:

Like this:

Placing the hose:

Pulling the hose from above with the rope:

Finally fitted (right side of car on this pic)

jamman · Sep 9, 2012

I wouldn't trust that jack they are infamous for being shite

basky · Sep 9, 2012

Good work and nice write up. Know this topic comes up quite often and might be worth using it in the how too?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Basky.

Hoggy · Sep 9, 2012

jamman said:
I wouldn't trust that jack they are infamous for being shite

Hi, If that is the only jack, I Must agree, especially in that position on end of sill.
Hoggy.

YELLOW_TT · Sep 10, 2012

Nice work good write up cheers

phil5556 · Feb 18, 2014

I've spent about 3 days searching for a how to for this!

Great write up cheers, we need to do this/get it done. Nearly everything says you need to take the roof off, great to see there is another way!

reece1591 · Feb 20, 2014

This has helped loads considering I was going to rip the panel off to change the roll bars to me new ones will be doing this at the same time as believe my passenger side is clogged up abit.

Did the new tubes came from Audi I'm guessing anyone got a price?

YELLOW_TT · Feb 20, 2014

reece1591 said:
This has helped loads considering I was going to rip the panel off to change the roll bars to me new ones will be doing this at the same time as believe my passenger side is clogged up abit.

Did the new tubes came from Audi I'm guessing anyone got a price?

Price and a part number if anyone has them

phil5556 · Feb 20, 2014

I just paid £55 Inc vat from TPS this afternoon for a pair.
The guy that took the order wasn't sure if they came with the gromets on the end, but they do come as a complete unit.

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How to remove the softtop? Must replace hoses, water inside!

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