Originally Posted by TT 10851

I bought an '03 quattro convertible in 2014 that had about 50 problems. I've fixed about 39 so far, and one was the REAR DEFLECTOR. Some symptoms were grinding and only the driver's side going up part way. The two basic problems were a broken belt and the sagging top around the glass window pushing against the deflector cover.

With age, as the window sags a bit, when you lower the top the window area will push forward against the plastic cowling under the roll bars. That force pushes the cowling against the glass deflector, so when you go to raise the deflector its pinned and eventually causes the belt to break, or the plastic drive gears to break tabs. Usually its the belt.

First step is to low the top enough until you can reach in while standing outside and pop the cowling off. Its quite easy to remove by pushing down and pulling back. Lift it out and set it aside. Now you can see both white gears and probably a shreaded belt. I ordered a new belt at polybelt.com for $31.55 +s/h. #8N7862997.

Yes, you will have to drill out the 4 rivets holding the steel guide bar. Two on each side, and its NOT difficult. I used a good 1/2" drill bit, centered it on the rivet and drilled for about 10 seconds - the rivet vanishes. Lift, wiggle, and pry a bit on the PASSENGER SIDE and the cross bar will come off exposing the belt and both gears. Try to avoid messing with the driver side because that's the motor driven screw. The passenger side simply works by the belt stretching from driver to passenger side.

To remove the gear, pull back near the top by the rubber cube shaped holder, its about 1"x1". Pay attention to how this comes out because even though its a 6-side cube it goes in only one way to hold the belt on top and gear in place. Replace the gear if needed - Google a part I guess. The gear is held in like a roll of toilet paper at each end so slip in the bottom, put your new belt on top and push push push until the rubber cube holding everything slide into place. That's the hardest part, especially if you mix up the cube like I did. Take pictures first. WAIT, be sure you align the window so both sides are equal. I used the button to wind up the driver side to the top and then spun the passenger gear with my fingers until the window was level. Sorry :-)

Make sure the belt is unobstructed up under the steel guide bar when you replace it by feeling with your fingers underneath. Oh yeah, the new belt should slip on the driver side gear first, then pull strongly over the slightly out of position passenger gear, then push push push in place.

Don't worry much about the rivets. Audi never meant for this to be replaced. I found some small spare bolts and barely screwed them in. Finished. Replace the cowling and test. It should go down easily. If it snags and grinds a bit going up, your window is probably pinching the deflector. I'm working on that issue now. Best solution, leave the deflector up always or first if possible. Still working on that too.

Originally Posted by rodhotter

my 01 TT roadster has similar issue, windscreen only goes up a little "when it feels like it" same thing with going back down. i thought the belt was usually the issue, gotta tear into it one day. having it work would add to comfort in cooler weather! girlfriend gives me the moans unless its hot + sunny!!! our dog loves it as i do!!!