How to Remove a Broken Sunroof Bracket?
2 Answers
First, remove the front dome light by opening the glasses compartment where there are two screws inside. The rear dome light also needs to be removed—pry open the light cover to find two screws inside. Next, remove the inner cover panels of the A, B, and C pillars to detach the headliner. Then, take out the sunroof assembly to replace the sliding rails. Now, temporarily reinstall the sunroof assembly back into the car. Loosely secure the glass with screws (do not tighten them fully yet as adjustments are needed). Plug in the motor connector and test it.
For removing the sunroof bracket, I recommend preparing the necessary tools first, including a set of screwdrivers and a small ratchet wrench. Before starting, remember to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid short-circuit risks. Begin by removing the clips on the edges of the sunroof trim panel, gently prying them open with a plastic pry bar from the gaps—avoid using metal tools to prevent scratching the interior. Next, remove the four screws securing the glass; it's best to have someone assist in holding the glass, as trying to operate with one hand can easily lead to accidents. Once the glass is removed, you can see the bracket assembly, which is fixed to the track with three special hex screws—remember their original positions to avoid mixing them up. The most troublesome part is disconnecting the drain pipe fitting; you'll need needle-nose pliers to grip the blue retaining ring before pulling the pipe out, as yanking it forcefully can damage the pipe. Finally, when removing the bracket screws, pay attention to the angle—many cars require you to squeeze into the trunk sideways to reach the innermost screw. After removal, clean the accumulated dust from the track; otherwise, the new bracket may still produce noise after installation.
