Sunroof lubrication how-to?

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Super77

Super77

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The procedure is in the Body section, under "Sliding Roof". There is no lubricant listed in the service manual, for either the 100 or 80 series. I use Super Lube silicone spray. It appears (so far) to be compatible with grease and rubber in every location I've used it.
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Curious about others’ lubricant experience. The wrong stuff can actually gum things up.
 
I used white lithium grease when I rebuilt mine.
 
I clean the sunroofs on both my 4R and LC 100 each year for the past 10+ years. First lay a blanket over the front two seats to prevent dirt getting on. Remove dirt and dust on the sides of the mechanism with a damp cloth/vacuum. I use WD-40 and engine oil to lube all joints and the cable.. run the sunroof front and back and close until next year! I hate these sunroofs and purchase my brand new vehicles without sunroofs.
 
When I replaced my cables and guide tubes, it appeared the new factory cables came with white lithium grease. It's pretty difficult to actually access the area that gets stuck, it would be way forward on both sides just as the cable enters the guide tubes. You might be able to apply some grease with a popsicle stick or something similar and run it back and forth to distribute. Since my parts are new, I just try to exercise it often and make sure to keep the drains clear so water doesn't stand in the tray and collect around the cables and enter the guide tubes.
 
dbfw said:
When I replaced my cables and guide tubes, it appeared the new factory cables came with white lithium grease. It's pretty difficult to actually access the area that gets stuck, it would be way forward on both sides just as the cable enters the guide tubes. You might be able to apply some grease with a popsicle stick or something similar and run it back and forth to distribute. Since my parts are new, I just try to exercise it often and make sure to keep the drains clear so water doesn't stand in the tray and collect around the cables and enter the guide tubes.
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It looks like grease, but it’s actually a white plastic material.
 
For the tracks (and really all rubber parts) I use Honda Shin-Etsu silicone grease (Honda part 08798-9013). I apply it once a year to everything rubber on the truck. I rub it on with my fingers such that it make a white film, let it sit for a day or two, then rub it off with a paper towel. It keeps everything soft and supple and doesn't build up dirt or dust once removed. I usually pick it up on Amazon.
 
You can use Toyota 08887-02007 Body Grease if you want to, but I believe, based on my experience with manufacturers, that they used grease instead of spray lube because it's cheaper; there isn't as much waster during initial application with grease. That doesn't necessarily make it better. I like silicone spray lube (not silicone grease) because it's compatible with almost everything and it doesn't attract and retain dirt the way grease does. It does require clean up after application, though, and you do use far more than is actually need for the job, due to the applicator action.
 
It’s the “attract and retain dirt” part I’m thinking about. I’m not super-knowledgeable about lubricants, but some of them are less sticky than others, and with a sunroof you want to avoid gumming up the mechanism.

The DIY Mercedes community is militant about using $170/lb factory “lubrication paste” in those cars’ sunroofs. My W124 has more metal and felt in its mechanism than Toyota’s, but it led me to wonder if our rigs need any particular product.
 
I use Wurth True Glide yearly. Clean everything first, then hit all the contact points, push into the cable guides as best you can. Operate the roof a few times.

I use the Shin-Etsu lube on all the rubber seals.
 
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