Installing soft top cover: VW Golf Cabriolet

🧭 Before you start

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

🔩 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 cover is resting on windscreen frame, i.e. not closed.
2. Pull soft top cover (1) onto front bow.
3. Swing soft top cover (1) with tensioning bar backwards.
4. Engage spring (3) with tensioning wire (2).
5. Fit control links (6 and 7) on rear window frame (2).

6. Press on securing clip (9).
7. Tighten bolt (8). Torque setting: 5 Nm. — 5 Nm (3.7 lb-ft)
8. Open convertible roof to half open position.
9. Place tensioning strap (3) flat on control link (4).
10. Tighten new bolt (5). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
11. Route tensioning straps (2) so as to form a cross (arrow).
12. Tighten new left and right middle (arrow) convertible top bolts (3) with tensioning straps (2), specified torque: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
13. Place soft top strap (4) on tensioning belt (3).
14. Apply staple (2).
15. Place tensioning straps (5, 8 and 9) flat on control links.
16. Align tensioning straps and tighten with new bolts (6). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
17. Align soft top loops to bows (7) and bond in place with double-sided adhesive tape.
18. Check for possible creases with soft top closed.
19. Swing soft top strap into retaining strip (8).
20. Tighten screws (5) of insulation (6). Torque setting: 2.5 Nm. — 2.5 Nm (1.8 lb-ft)
21. Position retaining strip (2).
22. Tighten bolts (3). Torque setting: 2.5 Nm. — 2.5 Nm (1.8 lb-ft)
23. Place tensioning strap (5) flat on control link.
24. Wrap tensioning strap (7) once around control link.
25. Place tensioning cord (2) over bow.
26. Align tensioning straps and eyelet and tighten with new bolts (4). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
27. Swing pin (2) into front bow.
28. Engage clips (4) in front bow (6) with tensioning wire.
29. Attach adhesive tape (5).
30. Guide tensioning strap (7) over control link.
31. Align tensioning strap and tighten with new bolt (8). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
32. Place tensioning strap (10) flat on control link.
33. Align tensioning strap and tighten with new bolt (8). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
34. Feed tensioning cord (1) through guides and eyelet (5 and 6).
35. Align eyelet and tighten with new bolt (3). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
36. Feed tensioning cord (1) through eyelets (6 and 5) and through guide (4).
37. Align eyelet and tighten with new bolt (3). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
38. Feed tensioning cord (1) through guides.
39. Align eyelet and tighten with new bolt (3). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
40. Feed tensioning cord (1) through eyelet (7) and through guides (6, 5 and 4).
41. Align eyelet and tighten with new bolt (3). Torque setting: 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
42. Fit securing rail (3) to soft top frame (2).
43. Tighten bolts (4) (qty. 15) to specified torque of 3 Nm. — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)

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