Don't overtighten the Freedom Top hand screws

rlabbott · 04-15-2008, 01:23 PM

Wow, my Jeep is 1 yr. old... I had noticed some 'creaking' of the top lately, so the last time I put the freedom panels on, I tightened the hand screws (that go thru the soundbar) a little more. I just did this by hand. Well, I just noticed they are poking the top of the freedom panels, and I have cracked and bubbled up the panels... OUCH.

Anyone else done this? Seems odd you could tighten enough by hand to do cause this... but there are the results... doh!

I wonder if the gasket on the main roof, has compressed over the year, and I kept cranking down a little more each time without really knowing what I was doing.... Oh well, I'll be this is gonna be expensive

I'll have more respect for these in the future.

naplesrubicon · 04-15-2008, 02:42 PM

wow that sucks
you must have big lumberjack hands
i never went through the top but i did overtighten them once and thats what caused my leak after backing them out a little the leak went away

scottlaroc · 04-15-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlabbott

Wow, my Jeep is 1 yr. old... I had noticed some 'creaking' of the top lately, so the last time I put the freedom panels on, I tightened the hand screws (that go thru the soundbar) a little more. I just did this by hand. Well, I just noticed they are poking the top of the freedom panels, and I have cracked and bubbled up the panels... OUCH.

Anyone else done this? Seems odd you could tighten enough by hand to do cause this... but there are the results... doh!

I wonder if the gasket on the main roof, has compressed over the year, and I kept cranking down a little more each time without really knowing what I was doing.... Oh well, I'll be this is gonna be expensive

I'll have more respect for these in the future.

I'm not sure i understand

.Any pics?

mdlott · 04-16-2008, 08:17 AM

I was under the impression that you didn't need to use the hand screws unless you were running the front panels only with the rest of the top off. I took my screws out when I first got the Jeep (1 year ago) and haven't put them back in yet. So far I haven't had any leaks or other issues.

rlabbott · 06-23-2008, 01:57 PM

Update: Chrysler replaced both Freedom panels. I was very lucky. My advice is to GENTLY tighten those freedom panel screws... or even remove them as many users have.
I was impressed that Chrysler replaced them, but the service manager at my dealership is the best I have ever met, and he really goes to bat for his customers.

wolfman064 · 06-23-2008, 02:19 PM

Is that correct that you don't need the hand-screws unless you are sporting the freedom tops without the rest of the top?

FatBuoy · 06-23-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfman064

Is that correct that you don't need the hand-screws unless you are sporting the freedom tops without the rest of the top?

Yes and they are great for when you are being chased. Simply unlatch the two latches on each side and let em fly!!!!!

gumbydammit · 12-12-2011, 10:14 PM

Eff, wish I has read this earlier. The screws on my '07 were going in pretty tight so I cleaned them up good and turned them back in. With the new easy-in and cold weather I cracked one of the panels.

I guess I'll put a couple of drops of epoxy into the end of the screw hole and a drop in the crack on top so no water gets into the crack and opens it up. Any thoughts? Just pisses me off! Anyone running leakless without them for a long time?

**JemLT1YJ** · 12-13-2011, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gumbydammit

Eff, wish I has read this earlier. The screws on my '07 were going in pretty tight so I cleaned them up good and turned them back in. With the new easy-in and cold weather I cracked one of the panels.

I guess I'll put a couple of drops of epoxy into the end of the screw hole and a drop in the crack on top so no water gets into the crack and opens it up. Any thoughts? Just pisses me off! Anyone running leakless without them for a long time?

If the fiberglass is cracked you gotta stop it from spreading, i uad a fairly big crack in mine and could tell it was spreading. Drill a hole no bigger then the crack at each end of it and then go buy a fiberglass repair kit, really not to hard and itll last work well for a long time.

**HOKIES2010** · 12-13-2011, 08:43 AM

Don't use those screws here. Actually do not use my hard top much in FL.

fmfa0801 · 12-13-2011, 09:19 AM

Crap I just tighten mine up a few days ago (only used my hand) I just looked a one has a crack. Do you think the warranty will cover it?

5foot19 · 12-13-2011, 09:24 AM

I guess I know what I'll be checking on my break shortly...

**ncb** · 12-13-2011, 09:32 AM

It's best to get the thumb screws just tight enough so they don't rattle in the sound bar.

GunDude · 12-13-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBuoy

Yes and they are great for when you are being chased. Simply unlatch the two latches on each side and let em fly!!!!!

Was not be chased but, I had a camero lose it's glass T-top comming at me from the opposite direction, right throught my front windshield at 45mph and hit me in the arm and pepper me and the metal cargo barrier behind me with glass. I looked like someone blased me with a 12ga full of rock salt.

**SilverStreaker** · 12-13-2011, 11:19 AM

Good to know. I just backed mine out a few turns just to be safe. I'll probably just remove them all-together when I get home.