When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Not long ago I fixed an issue with the pop-up sunroof deflector on my Rx7. If you don’t know what this part is, that probably means yours is also broken. So if you want to fix it (and for an affordable price), this guide should help you. Take a look:
That black bar is supposed to spring up when the sunroof is opened. It deflects some of the air from the sunroof opening, reducing wind noise. Unfortunately mine was no longer popping up on its own. The first step of course is to remove the deflector assembly. There are two JIS screws on either side; one silver and one black. You can reach the silver screw easily, but you’ll need to prop the deflector up like so to reach the black screw:
Once you have it apart, the issue is pretty obvious:
The black plastic piece that bolts to the sunroof assembly has cracked and broken. This piece is responsible both for holding the front of the deflector to the car, and also for holding the spring tension that pops up the deflector. Both sides of mine were like this. This part is only sold as an assembly with the entire bracket. Left is NLA, right is $80 USD. But we don’t need the whole bracket, only the plastic piece.
Removing the circlip on the end of the steel dowel in the hinge will let you take the assembly apart. Make sure to put the circlip in a safe place, otherwise it will get lost:
With it apart, we can remove the plastic piece entirely. Now we need a replacement. As I said, you can’t buy that piece on it’s own. But luckily in the year 2022, there are some ways around that. I’ve already done most of the legwork:
Provided is an STL file for a replacement bracket. Two brackets are required; one for each side.
I first printed it in ABS with good success (more on that to follow), but need-a-t2 was kind enough to machine me a beautiful aluminum set:
Drop the coil of the spring into the plastic bracket in-line with the holes for the dowel. Then drop those two parts into the saddle on the deflector assembly, and slide the dowel into place.
It's worth noting that I am reasonably certain this is not the way the factory oriented the spring. However, I tested a few configurations and found this one was the easiest to install and worked very well.
Last is to re-install the circlip you lost a few minutes ago. Luckily I already bought an assorted set to find a match:
A 2mm ID circlip is a perfect fit. After the clip is installed, refer to the photo above this one and make sure it looks the same. Left side is photographed, right side is mirrored.
Then installing the deflector back into the car is the reverse of removal, with the added challenge of fighting the spring tension. The best way is to first install the black screws on the new brackets that we just made. You’ll have to install the screw, then roll the bracket downward with one hand while using a screwdriver in the other to tighten it down. The orientation once repaired should look like this:
(I lost one of the black screws, which is why the non-OEM chrome screw is being used in this photo).
Now before installing the silver screws for the rear of the bracket, you will need to roll the black deflector bar over. It will want to be rolled and sprung forward, so you need to push it back at the same time as you roll it over towards the rear of the car. This is difficult to describe, but once you see how the whole system moves it becomes clear.
Now that the deflector is rolled into the correct orientation, you can install the two rear screws. And if all has gone well, it should look like this:
If you press down gently on the deflector with one hand at either side, it should push down to the position shown in the first photo without too much force. Then when you let go of course, it should pop back up. If all is working well, then you’re done.
Does it make a difference? Not a massive one, admittedly. If you hold it down while driving there is definitely a sort of “thrumming” noise that changes to a gentle “whooshing” when you let it pop back up.
And if you’re wondering about the longevity of the printed ABS bracket, here’s the one I removed after over a month of use. Including heat of about 34 degrees C, direct sunlight, and multiple openings / closings of the sunroof:
No signs of warping or fatigue. It's a bit scratched from installation and removal, but otherwise it's no worse for wear.
So that’s about it. If anyone can think of anything helpful to add to this, please comment it below. I hope this is helpful for someone
08-10-22, 12:30 PM
