Broken Moonroof Track

[SZDZMTR]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I was able to get the moonroof closed by removing the glass, removing the two broken pieces, positioning the mechanism back into the track properly and reinstalling the glass. I can pop the moonroof up and down, just not slide back more than a few inches. If I go back too far, the mechanism comes out of the track and I would have to remove the glass to reseat it.

I've ordered the replacement kit from Sunroof doctor and I do plan on repairing it, although I most likely will not retract the moonroof anymore. The part that broke clearly has a weak point and will most likely break again. It is unlikely caused by lack of use since the plastic will become brittle regardless of use. Just a poor design or poor material.

They should have used Titanium parts instead.

 

[CigarPundit]

Reviving an old thread here, but if you have a moonroof problem, there is a cheap and easy fix that you can do yourself without removing the seats, console, headliner, etc. Should take 30 minutes. Parts from the sunroof doctor and instructional videos (as well as preventive maintenance that may stop it from breaking in the first place) on pacfanweb’s YouTube channel. Good stuff.

 

[d4nguy]

Reviving an old thread here, but if you have a moonroof problem, there is a cheap and easy fix that you can do yourself without removing the seats, console, headliner, etc. Should take 30 minutes. Parts from the sunroof doctor and instructional videos (as well as preventive maintenance that may stop it from breaking in the first place) on pacfanweb’s YouTube channel. Good stuff.

Thanks for the info. I've been using my repaired moonroof very sparingly but so far so good. My issue occurred on a Gen1 which requires the entire track removed so you can slide the mechanism out the back. Your videos are for a Gen2 which looks like they added a removable part on the track to allow for easier repair. Unfortunately for Gen1 owners there's no quick easy fix.

 

[Clockton]

I just had my second one replaced. There is a TSB 18-2374

 

[Jeff McDaniel]

Searched the posts but couldn't find again where someone mentioned that there were revised tracks available besides the plastic ones. Anyone have a link?

 

[BlkOvl]

This is a Gen 1 thread, and a problem on a whole ‘nother level from those with the vista roof. We have to spend hours delicately disassembling our interior to access the rack assembly. The vid the guy posted on YT is a huge help. Fortunately, mine is a SCAB, so I didn’t need to remove any seats, belts, or subwoofer. Those things are about access, and no pillar obstruction was a plus.

But here’s what I want to say: Ford does not get a pass. True, the assembly is cheap and excessively plastic. However, it binds on the track as it moves along it. I’ll be doing this replacement a second time someday, and will take the time to file and smooth the cut-outs in the metal track, which should have been done at the time of manufacture. Will take pics and post ‘em when I do, but when you open it up, you’ll see what I’m referring to. Sloppy manufacturing finish work.

ICYI, it worked for a couple of operations after I replaced it the first time, but I could hear it binding some on each pass and then ‘pop’. Went from elation to deflation. Believe it was when transitioning between tilt and slide, where the cut-outs are needed. I closed it and added another attempt to my ‘to do again someday’ list. $#@*!

 

[W84]

Thanks for the update ! just ordered the kit from SunRoof Dr. and attempting this in a couple weeks !

 

[Boricuaevo8]

Sorry to have resuscitated this thread. Just happened to me today for the second time. The first time it happened was a few months after I received my truck from the factory in Oct ‘12.
The second time happened when I attempted to open it and heard a loud boom.
I am grateful to have found this thread, I watched the video and will need to figure out a good day to do this project. Definitely do not want to take my seats out if I don’t have to.

 

[kidkotic2001]

I'm on my second one as well. I'm looking for metal parts now. I used the sunroof doc and it broke just looked the factory one.