Removing D3 headlining to fix sunroof

[Julian Thompson]

Unfortunately my D3 has developed a fault in the sunroof mechanism. There is a broken track on one side and the mechanism makes some bad noises when it closes, and sometimes won’t close at all. Also the interior sliding cover is stiff and notchy in operation. It’s a shame because I replaced the front deflector motor and that side of it is great now, but it’s clear that the sunroof cassette in this car is toast.

I’m double gutted because I have bought this car for my dad who isn’t very well and I have worked really hard to prepare it for him and make it as good as it can be and then all of a sudden I have this which looks like a big job.

What I’m looking for are Audis instructions on headlining removal, and anything I will need to know to set up a replacement roof.

Thanks in advance.

[Julian Thompson]

Helpfully found the manual on a thread below -going well except sunvisors. The type on my 2008 car don’t match the ones on the manual. You tube shows a guy levering against the headlining with a crow bar to get the cover off the retaining clip but he damages the headlining so after a lot of careful trying I have carefully snapped the caps on the clips using a pair of pliers to remove them. I’ll buy replacements - I just can’t see a way to remove those without damaging the lining.

I can’t budge the caps off the sun visors though? Any ideas?

[steamship]

Originally Posted by Julian Thompson

Helpfully found the manual on a thread below -going well except sunvisors.

I can’t budge the caps off the sun visors though? Any ideas?

Not sure what thread you're referring to, but I remember posting some photos of the sun visor clips in a thread. It might be the one you're referring to. If not, I've attached them to this post.

From memory, I think someone mentioned that they are very tight fitting (you can see the lugs inside the cap), and you need to use something like a pick tool to remove the cover, and when they do release, they do so suddenly. Just a thought, but you might be able to use two picks along one side, using the first to prise the side next to the first lug, and then the second one to prise the side next to the second lug, whilst at the same time gently pulling down with the tools, freeing up one side, and then the second side should come off a lot easier.

[Julian Thompson]

Thanks - I decided to pull the clips off with grips to make sure I didn’t damage the headlining, and I’ve ordered replacements. I have a solution to the sun visor mounts though - a bent fork is strong enough to exert the huge force needed in a downwards direction and works great

[Julian Thompson]

All out now. About two hours. Not the end of the world to do. Now I just need a replacement cassette.

[Julian Thompson]

Looking at replacement roofs the D4 one looks very similar - can anyone confirm I can use that ok on the D3?