'97 SE 900 Soft Top Noise

Please don't put WD-40 near anything you want to keep, it's a solvent not a lubricant.

You have the infamous "tonneau motor problem". Stop trying to use it now! If the gears are not too bad, you can install the tonneau motor repair kit and fix it. If not, you'll need a new motor ($$$). bout 4 hours of labor AFAIR at the dealer.

The kit to fix it is under $20 *if* it can be fixed. You can't tell until you get it out and inspect it. There's a TSB that you can read on fixing it. (link below). This is definitely *advanced* DIY work. Mark the position of everything before removing any of the linkage. The TSB covers the motor repair but assumes you have the manual for the removal and installation of the unit so you have to either buy the factory manual or wing it. Winging it is easy, *if* you mark all the positions of the mechanism - take some digital photos if you can.

Taliaferro Saab complimentary TSB:

That's not good -- get it checked.

Thanks for the help..

im not going to be any good at the repair and will just not use the roof for the moment (great - just when the UK was getting some sun).

Im not worried about paying for the repair, but know a main dealer will fleece me.

Does anyone know a saab specialist in the london area that could do the work?

Additionally can anyone recommend anywhere that could replace the hood (after 8 yrs its looking tired despite having been restored a couple of times)

Cheers in advance

It's the tonneau motor hinge, located on the left side in the trunk, near the gas filler. The hinge has warped and you may be able to have it straightened. The job should not be very intimidating for any shade tree mechanic. The unit can be removed from the trunk and Tte motor should come off the hinge before heat is applied to staighten the hinge. It's a very expesive part from Saab, about $2400 CDN. That was my motivation to repair it myself instead! London & Victoria BC have very similar weather. Get it fixes before the rain!