458 spider roof creaking fix?

crappy build (just kidding lol )

 

Actually it is possible that a lubricant could make it worse. It makes it easier for the parts to slide apart.

I haven't heard of a creep in the roof. What most experienced was passenger seat belts hitting the back of the seats. If you have racing seats, it's really obnoxious because the back is all CF plastic.

 

My roof creak I actually traced to the passenger seat being a mm too far back and just chaffing against the bulkhead.

 

What did you use to lubricate it with?

 

I know the sound you are talking about. Car didn't have it for the first 6-8 months of ownership. I notice it when I turn wheel and torque car or go over road irregularity. It takes a larger bump when going straight has been my experience. I assume it is associated with body flex. Not sure what above post is referring to in regards to bulkhead. My seats are no where near anything. I have done my best to just ignore it. I was told by my dealer that BMW "Gummipflege" (rubber care product) is good for our roof rubber. Wonder if this might help. I have a tube that is older than dirt - forgot why I got it years ago - but appears to be still perfect. Will apply next time I put roof down and see if it helps.
Wish I could give you a good answer. I hear the sound as well, so you are not crazy!
Randy

 

Gummipflege is actually not a lubricant but it IS the correct rubber protectant to use. "Gummipflege" literally means "rubber care/maintenance" in German.

It is a silicon-based rubber softener. Rubber seals often dry out and harden over time and their rubbing against each other is what causes the noise. Any opening in a car cannot be bolted tight without a rubber interface because the metal will get dented, scratched and eventually open a crack. All openings in a car have rubber seals.

So even car door openings will creak in a very rigid sedans like BMWs (why else do you think BMW sells Gummipflege? The centre of the vehicle is the most vulnerable because both the front and rear of the vehicle will exert torque, sometimes opposing torque, through the centre.

I would continue applying the Gummipflege in liberal amounts. Both sides of the rubber seal need to be softened. The noise will go away unless the rubber seals are damaged.

Do not use baby powder because the powder may get between moving parts and gum them up. You do not need a lubricant if the problem is dried rubber seals. If it's rubber, Gummipflege will work.