Bolts coming loose on top...normal?

[LittleYellowVW]

Hi, I have a 2008 NBC which has just over 10k miles on it. I use my top frequently, nearly every time I drive it . I had it in the dealer for a 10k mile checkup and to get the recall done about 2 months ago, included in the 10k mile check up is a "top inspection and lube"...now 2 months later, my top started making a loud thud when closing, I took it to dealer and they fixed it under warranty saying that the bolts had worked themselves loose...and this was a normal thing...now how in 2 months do bolts work themselves loose if they inspected it??? My guess is they did something in the inspection and lube like not tightening the bolts...but I am interested if anyone else has had their bolts go loose and if they are telling me the truth and I should expect this to happen again or are they just covering their backsides...I have had nothing but problems with this dealer's service which is why i am suspicious.

(just one example of their shoddy work....had to have underpan replaced due to a near accident that caused me to swerve into median to avoid a truck, pan hit the curb and was all sorts of bent...they replaced it, I picked it up to drive home and they hadnt tightened the bolts and the whole thing rattled and made terrible noise.)

[miffmole]

I've never had the thudding noise you described with my NBC. I've owned it since 9/2007.
I've checked the only bolts I can see on the top from time to time, and they've never been loose.

[LittleYellowVW]

well the thud sound happened at about 98% shut and only going up...but yea that is what i thought they are just covering their behind because they screwed up again...I searched thru forums on convertibles and never saw any postings...but i guess they figure since im a woman I will believe anything about mechanical issues...they dont know me thanks

[58and03beetles]

my 2003 makes a thud on a hot day when the top header hits the windshield, it does this only on hot days as the fabric is slack, when cold it stops about 3 inches short and I have to pull it down, theres no other sounds, except maybe the rear window tapping the shelf as you lower the top

I put my top up and down sometimes multiple times a day every day. my car is my daily and has been my commuter car for over 5 years now, at 113,000 miles. the top and cover flaps perform flawlessly! no bolts or anything loose.
my only complaint is a slide strap made out of elastic is wearing through its casing as it slides up and down the top frame it rubs it. it is 10.00 at the dealer and is replaced with 2 rivets- easy enough. MAKE THE DEALER REPLACE YOUR COMPLETE TOP! its under warranty and thats BS! it was Fixed once, now they have to replace it. Call VW themselves to bitch about the dealer if they give you any problems at all

[LittleYellowVW]

thanks for responses. good to know I was right this dealership is rubbish. well warranty expires in a few months...now to find a reliable and good mechanic that does VW in the Ocala/Gainesville area of Florida...

[Fl_bug]

Originally Posted by LittleYellowVW

thanks for responses. good to know I was right this dealership is rubbish. well warranty expires in a few months...now to find a reliable and good mechanic that does VW in the Ocala/Gainesville area of Florida...

check out my sig if anything

Good luck!