Bongo Fury

Hello
Does anyone know what the problem is with the raising roof on my bongo?
It has been creaking for quite a while but at the bongo bash on Saturday it groaned and juddered as it raised but it then refused to close when I tried to lower it on Sunday. Nothing happened apart from the beeps which then became faster. I pressed the switch several times and then gently tugged the roof. The roof eventually creaked and started to close (after quite a while). This was not a smooth action, the roof jumped and juddered all the way down, stopping and starting.
Is this a problem with the motor, or do the struts need re-gassing etc? And does anyone know where I can take the van to get the work done to repair the roof please?
Many thanks for any help you can give.
Alison

I'd check for a rubbed wire, or no proper contact being made, other wise, is the motor engaging properly, does any guides need a spray of lubricant? something stuck/jammed somewhere.
Only way you are going to find out is have a decent look at what can go wrong and take it from there. Wait for a sunny day and pop it open and put your head through the manhole to check what is happening.
Struts only need gassing when they no longer are holding the weight, such as the back door of any station wagon and it creeks down slowly. Usually it is just as quick to replace the strut.
I have a Delica L400 and the sunroof played up only because there is a holding screw for the drive motor not being properly screwed in (in other words coming loose).
Let me know what you find.

alison wrote:Hello
Does anyone know what the problem is with the raising roof on my bongo?
It has been creaking for quite a while but at the bongo bash on Saturday it groaned and juddered as it raised but it then refused to close when I tried to lower it on Sunday. Nothing happened apart from the beeps which then became faster. I pressed the switch several times and then gently tugged the roof. The roof eventually creaked and started to close (after quite a while). This was not a smooth action, the roof jumped and juddered all the way down, stopping and starting.
Is this a problem with the motor, or do the struts need re-gassing etc? And does anyone know where I can take the van to get the work done to repair the roof please?
Many thanks for any help you can give.
Alison

Where are you based Alison? My roof failed recently and I found it best to take it ot a Bongo specialist as they are heavy bits of kit to be getting to grips with.

Hello

I am based in South East London (Lewisham).

Thanks

Alison

I took the vehicle to an auto electrics garage where they greased the runners and cleaned up the joints and bits on the roof. They said they thought the gas struts were okay and the problem was with the motor which was just getting worn out but should still work for a while. I have lifted the roof again since but it does raise very slowly and still creaks and judders as it lowers.
Does anyone know where I can get a new motor fitted or the costs of this?
Any advice much appreciated.
Alison

Hi Alison, you could try someone like `bongobits`or you can look in the `breaking bongo`s `section and see if anyone has a motor going spare, give em a PM and check

Good luck

Izzy

Hi Alison,

I had a problem this morning when roof would not lower could not understand why, I then put my foot on accelerator and brought the revs up a bit and low and behold no longer a problem. I recently had a new alternator fitted so am guessing that perhaps the revs are not as high as they were originally. worth a try, cheaper than a new motor. Jacobus

Thank you for the advice. I will go and try revving the engine.
I checked out the websites given earlier and booked the vehicle in to a garage today to have two replacement motors fitted next week (I think there is one for each side for the roof).
It is interesting that you mention having replaced your alternator as I had a completely flat battery two or three months ago and had to get the AA out. I think I need a new battery and doesn't the alternator charge that?
Don't know anything about mechanical/electrical things but could there be a link or am I really showing my ignorance?

Many thanks

Alison

If the battery is struggling then it will definitely show with the motors being slower, I take it you are raising & lowering it with the engine running?
It could just be a matter of lack of use & everything being stiff, if you run it up & down a few times & lubricate all the moving bits again with something like PTFE lube, don't want anything like heavy grease on there. It needs doing regularly too as it gest washed/blown off with the weather.

alison wrote:Thank you for the advice. I will go and try revving the engine.
I checked out the websites given earlier and booked the vehicle in to a garage today to have two replacement motors fitted next week (I think there is one for each side for the roof).
It is interesting that you mention having replaced your alternator as I had a completely flat battery two or three months ago and had to get the AA out. I think I need a new battery and doesn't the alternator charge that?
Don't know anything about mechanical/electrical things but could there be a link or am I really showing my ignorance?

Many thanks

Alison

I'll be very interested to hear how you got on with this, where the garage sourced the motors (which garage is it?), and what the cost as I wonder if I might treat mine similarly one day. Sorry I didn't get back to you after my earlier question. Sometimes this forum doesn't seem to flag up that there is a new post on a thread (and since I lose the plot also....... )

Bell hill have some AFT motors according to there Ebay shop;
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-AFT-R ... 2ea8676ef3

g8dhe wrote:Bell hill have some AFT motors according to there Ebay shop;
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-AFT-R ... 2ea8676ef3

Good spot there Geoff and thanks. Reassuring in case one is needed. I'd love to get new ones if not too much money, in case the old ones are tired.

I have tried revving the engine while raising the roof and it certainly went up much better than before although I couldn't rev the engine while putting the roof down.
The garage I have booked the vehicle into is Ben Hill in Somerset where they will fit second hand parts.
Bongo Bits sell new motors at approx £143 each plus vat and can get these very quickly.

I am wondering now if my vehicle needs a new battery or alternator. I will do a few more tests tomorrow.

Thanks for your help

Alison

alison wrote:I have tried revving the engine while raising the roof and it certainly went up much better than before although I couldn't rev the engine while putting the roof down.
The garage I have booked the vehicle into is Ben Hill in Somerset where they will fit second hand parts.
Bongo Bits sell new motors at approx £143 each plus vat and can get these very quickly.

I am wondering now if my vehicle needs a new battery or alternator. I will do a few more tests tomorrow.

Thanks for your help

Alison

If your still unsure ask Bell Hill to take a look for you while your there, could kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak

Izzy

You will be sorted with Tom at Bell Hill......... great people, I think you also might want to invest in a new battery.......even if you wait until just before the autumn...