Installing headliner: VW Golf Cabriolet

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Golf Cabriolet (517, 2011–2016)

• Renewed: if necessary

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. Soft top is resting on windscreen frame, i.e. is not closed.
2. Pull headliner (1) into tensioning bar (7).
3. Press clamp strips of headliner (1) onto roof bows.
4. Press water deflector onto water trap moulding
5. Install tensioning bar

6. Install pop rivet (6) in tensioning bar (7).
7. Pull wiring connectors for rear window heater (2) through bow (5) in headliner and attach.
8. Check clips (4) for damage and renew if necessary.
9. Press clips (4) onto frame of headliner.
10. Press in headliner (1) around clamp strip on rear window frame (3).
11. Open convertible roof to half open position.
12. Feed tensioning cord (5) through guides.
13. Align eyelet (9) and tighten with new bolt (8). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
14. Feed tensioning cord (2) through eyelet (3).
15. Align eyelet and tighten with new bolt (4). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
16. Wrap tensioning strap (4) around control link.
17. Align tensioning strap and tighten with new bolt (5). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
18. Align clamp strips (3) with bolt holes in roof bows.
19. Tighten bolts (2) at all bows (6, 7, 8 and 9). Torque setting: 2.5 Nm. — 2.5 Nm (1.8 lb-ft)
20. Guide tensioning strap (3) through upper and lower eyelet (7) on control link.
21. To make the lower eyelet accessible, slightly fold headliner (6) to side (arrow c).
22. Guide tensioning strap (2) through eyelet (7) on control link.
23. To make the eyelet accessible, slightly fold headliner (6) to side (arrow c).
24. Guide tensioning strap (1) through eyelet (7) on control link.
25. To make the eyelet accessible, slightly fold headliner (6) to side (arrow c).
26. Using hook3438, tension spring (5)(arrow b).
27. Hook tensioning cords (1, 2 and 3) into spring (5) in previously noted order.
28. Release tension from spring (5)(arrow a).
29. Push rubber ring (4) back onto spring (5).
30. Tighten bolts (2 and 3). Torque setting: 2.5 Nm. — 2.5 Nm (1.8 lb-ft)
31. Check headliner for possible creases with soft top in closed position.
32. Install front bow trim

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