Hi all,

My rear hatch latch has unfortunately developed a very large crack.
As such, I was wondering what is involved in replacing the latch, given the lock mechanism, etc.

Thanks in advance.


Paul Gotter
88S4 auto w/ LSD

-----

Paul,
It depends on what part is wrong. I suppose you mean the upper part? The aluminum cracked?

Ok, assuming this: there's two hex key bolts m6 or m8 holding it to the latch assembly. Just remove these. The assembly takes a bit of twisting and comes out without much hassle. If you have the alarm system installed you have a slightly different one which requires to remove the alarm cable. If the alarm worked ok before, just take the cover off, take two little Phillips head screws out, be careful to catch the little contact spring (!!!) and that's about it. Getting a new one would be next.

You can easily remove the lock cylinder. First step is to take the black cover off (little screws). Then remove the locking pin that holds the cylinder in position. A little screw in the newer model, and I think a pin that needs drilling out in the older versions. Twist and push and it comes out. You want to re-use your original lock cylinder ;-)

If you buy a used one, get the correct version (with/without alarm) and buy a new white plastic block to replace the existing one. Most of the time this block wears and fails to lock the hatch properly. There's two versions of this one too! One has an alarm lever for operating the switch. They cost almost nothing.
Drill out the pin that holds it and replace with the one that comes with the plastic piece.

Does that help?
cheers
Theo
1992 928gts Midnight Blue
1988 928s4 Cherry Red (Sold in 2006)
The Netherlands
http://jenniskens.livedsl.nl
http://928gts.jenniskens.eu

-----

Hi Theo,

It is the part that contains the m6/m8 that cracked in half. There is a local parts supplier that has one available w/ alarm, so I will order one.

Thanks.
Paul

------

Paul,
Just make sure you have the right one otherwise the lock won't fit.
Maybe take yours out and have a look.....?

Not many comments or replies on rennlist.... It is more quiet than it  used to be.

regards
Theo
1992 928gts Midnight Blue
1988 928s4 Cherry Red (Sold in 2006)
The Netherlands
http://jenniskens.livedsl.nl
http://928gts.jenniskens.eu

------

Theo,

That is a good point. I will take it out and have a look before ordering a replacement.

Aside from a few regular contributors like yourself, Rennlist has turned into a ghost town. Is the shark population shrinking that quickly?

Paul