Sunroof cable replacement

[CruiserTimPdx]

That looks vaguely familiar, but it has been a couple of years. I do seem to recall having to fight that . . . along with a few other stubborn pieces. Seems like I would have gotten in a pointed metal tool or small flathead screwdriver and leverage those tabs holding the bolt in back towards me to allow it to slip out, then tapping them back into place when I re-installed. You might want to wait for another response though if that doesn't seem right as someone else may have a better recollection or have dealt with more recently.

 

[MDK]

That looks vaguely familiar, but it has been a couple of years. I do seem to recall having to fight that . . . along with a few other stubborn pieces. Seems like I would have gotten in a pointed metal tool or small flathead screwdriver and leverage those tabs holding the bolt in back towards me to allow it to slip out, then tapping them back into place when I re-installed. You might want to wait for another response though if that doesn't seem right as someone else may have a better recollection or have dealt with more recently.

I feel like the answer is going to be “pull really hard”. Ive been trying to persuade it down with decent force but man. I can’t see another solution.

 

[mario65]

Just be mean with it it is nothing more than a piece of metal used to hold it in place until somebody can stick the screws in it you just pull real hard and hold it on each side pull down it’ll pop out

 

[mario65]

Just be mean with it it is nothing more than a piece of metal used to hold it in place until somebody can stick the screws in it you just pull real hard and hold it on each side pull down it’ll pop out

I’m looking at 1

 

[MDK]

Just be mean with it it is nothing more than a piece of metal used to hold it in place until somebody can stick the screws in it you just pull real hard and hold it on each side pull down it’ll pop out

boom. Thanks for the tip.

 

[MDK]

should these cables just pull out? Mine aren’t budging. Idk if that’s because of rust/crap buildup or I haven’t removed something else that I need to remove.

 

[mario65]

that is what happens they seize from lack of use . You need a used nice sunroof assembly or you need to order the 2 cables and the tube from toyota for about 700-900 now they keep going up

 

[MDK]

that is what happens they seize from lack of use . You need a used nice sunroof assembly or you need to order the 2 cables and the tube from toyota for about 700-900 now they keep going up

gotcha. There’s no trick to getting them out? I’ve been soaking the visible cable around the frame in penetrating oil for about an hour or so now. Was hoping that’d help.

 

[mario65]

gotcha. There’s no trick to getting them out? I’ve been soaking the visible cable around the frame in penetrating oil for about an hour or so now. Was hoping that’d help.

if you can you'd be the first person that has. Not to say its impossible but i gave up a long tome ago

 

[dbfw]

Oh man, this job is in my future, my roof is stuck closed as well. I remember coming across this video a few months back with an interesting technique. I also play with boats, and this is being done on morse style boat throttle and shift push/pull cables, but maybe worth a shot here?

The basic technique is a short length of rubber hose clamped around the end of the cable, filled with penetrating oil, then an air compressor is connected to force the penetrant through the length of the cable. No idea if it would have any effect on the old dried grease/rust on these though.

 

[CruiserTimPdx]

Interesting technique for sure, would be the first time I have seen someone successfully clear the old dried up grease as well. Mine was so dried and up and hardened it had the consistency of hard plastic and was adhered to the cable grooves like super glue. Also wouldn't even begin to budget even when I had one end in a vice and the other with a vice wrench trying to twist even a little bit free, ended up just tweeking the whole thing. If you have the time and energy, there is always room for a first! Good luck. Cheers, Tim

 

[ITSLOKD]

should these cables just pull out? Mine aren’t budging. Idk if that’s because of rust/crap buildup or I haven’t removed something else that I need to remove.
View attachment 2435785

Were you able to get the cables and tubes out?

mine are also stuck solid.

 

[MDK]

Were you able to get the cables and tubes out?

mine are also stuck solid.

nope! Didn’t have the parts necessary to replace so I put everything back. Fought with the cables for a while though.

 

[MDK]

Interesting technique for sure, would be the first time I have seen someone successfully clear the old dried up grease as well. Mine was so dried and up and hardened it had the consistency of hard plastic and was adhered to the cable grooves like super glue. Also wouldn't even begin to budget even when I had one end in a vice and the other with a vice wrench trying to twist even a little bit free, ended up just tweeking the whole thing. If you have the time and energy, there is always room for a first! Good luck. Cheers, Tim

So what I thought was a vinyl/plastic coating over the metal cable was actually dried grease?

 

[ITSLOKD]

nope! Didn’t have the parts necessary to replace so I put everything back. Fought with the cables for a while though.

bummer. I hit it with a torch and aircraft stripper. Got them moving on the rail, but no movement in the tubes.

 

[Donquijote]

Happy to post some pictures and post. My experience has been very similar to Ayune above; with the exception that the OEM lube was so hard and mixed with rust from the cable/tubes that I could not pull the cables out of the guide tubes no matter what I tried; finally one of the cables just broke as I was trying. Just ordered two new cables and guide tubes, wish me luck. . .

Also agree that this is much more fun than climbing around under the truck and working on steering rack or suspension. Also teaching my 15 year old son how to tackle a car project like this and he is loving it so a fun project from that standpoint as well. I used to have an old 1978 FJ and used to work on all the time and this is bringing back some fond memories. We have had this current truck since 2003 (2nd owner) and it is about 600 miles from crossing the 200,000 mile mark. Am sure there will be many more projects with it over the years both voluntary and involuntary

 

[Donquijote]

Very good info and yeah, wish I had read before I head ordered the parts, I have finally gotten the parts and installed new cables and guides. The sunroof moves back and forth but doesn't seem to want to push UK into the roof hike and seal and studied I either did not install the cable guide correctly or need to align the motor and roof as many have meeting has been an issue. If I post a picture of how I installed the cable housing into rails would you be able to tell if I did correctly?. Thx for your good sharing and thoughts

Where do you buy the cables ? Thank you

 

[Donquijote]

that is what happens they seize from lack of use . You need a used nice sunroof assembly or you need to order the 2 cables and the tube from toyota for about 700-900 now they keep going up

Hello Mario , where I can buy the cables? And the tube? In USA thank you sir

 

[CruiserTimPdx]

Where do you buy the cables ? Thank you

it has been a few year, but I know I bought new original OEM parts and pretty sure it was from Olathe Toyota. info@olathetoyota.com; you should be able to email them your truck specifics and they can let you know if they still carry the parts; it can sometimes be a bit of a hunt for parts, but believe this particular part was pretty available at the time.

 

[Jdfern]

This project is my 2003 LC is in my future too, just need the time and the courage to take that headliner off. Let us know how you make out.