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freedom top problems

17K views 40 replies 21 participants last post by  flyin-lowe 
#1 ·
i just bought a new wrangler 2011 and i can't take the freedom top off, the two knobs on the speakers bar can't be twisted , they're stuck , what should i do ??
 
#2 ·
You need more leverage....

Get a towel and cover the knobs, so you don't scuff them, and use pliers with a long handle to break the knobs free....
Don't grip the knob, just place either 'tooth' of the plier on either side of the knob and start turning..it should turn pretty easily.

I once tightened those knobs a littttle too much and had to use that method to loosen them.
 
#3 ·
You need more leverage....

Get a towel and cover the knobs and use pliers with a long handle to break the knobs free....

I once tightened those knobs a littttle too much and had to use that method to loosen them.
I had to do that same thing. I was so afraid of screwing up the knobs. ON the other hand when you put the knobs back in make sure you get them snug or they will wiggle their way out, too. :doh:
 
#6 ·
The drivers side knob on my freedom top won't move

So I've taken the 2 front pieces off of my freedom top numerous times and have never had a problem. This past week while I was down in OBX I took the pieces off for the day, came back, put them back on, didn't tighten them any tighter than I normally do...next day, go to take them off again, and the drivers side knob won't turn at all. I tried turning it with leverage, using a town and trying to turn it with a wrench. I tried everything I could think of and still nothing. It actually feels like the plastic knob is just turning on the bolt itself. I took it to the nearest Jeep dealer down there and they basically just blinked at me and told me there's nothing they can do about it, that I would have to somehow cut the bolt.

I'm really worried, because I don't want to mangle my top, but I want to be able to remove the messed up bolt. Anyone have any suggestions on how I can do this without having to replace that whole top piece?

Also, my top leaks....but that's a whole other thread!
 
#10 ·
I tried the "above pressure" technique but that didn't seem to work either. It feels like the knob is just spinning on the bolt. I'm so frustrated, this has never happened before and again, I didn't tighten them any more than I normally do. I'm beginning to think I'm going to have to use a thin sawzall blade to cut the bolt.....but I'm scared I'm going to mess up the top panel.
 
#18 ·
This...you are going to need to get a new knob but there's no way I'd use a sawzall before I just got aggressive with the knob. At first I'd just grab the plastic portion of the knob right in the center where the bolt is with vise grips...tight as I could get it and try spinning it off. Worse case you'll break the knob which should expose the bolt and best case it will spin out and you can buy a new knob if you care about putting knobs in.
 
#19 ·
I will definitely try this...when I was at the beach, (where this happened) we didn't have vise grips, so we just had to use the leverage technique. As soon as I can find the darn vise grips, (wherever the hell they are), I will report back when I'm done. Thank you guys for your advice.
 
#23 ·
I actually went and drove out on the beach up there, (Corolla to Corova) for the first time New Years Eve. We drove all the way to the VA line. Usually we go out on Oregon Inlet or we drive, (and take the ferry) down to Ocracoke. If you get the chance to head back, drive down South 12, past Hatteras all the way to the ferry, hop on the ferry and cruise to Ocracoke. If you like the laid back life, you will love it there. Plus the beaches are great, you can drive pretty much anywhere you want, the water is warmer and it's just beautiful. First picture is the gang I was with at the VA line, second is us up on a dune, (one that you're allowed to drive on).
 

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#29 ·
I actually went and drove out on the beach up there, (Corolla to Corova) for the first time New Years Eve. We drove all the way to the VA line. Usually we go out on Oregon Inlet or we drive, (and take the ferry) down to Ocracoke. If you get the chance to head back, drive down South 12, past Hatteras all the way to the ferry, hop on the ferry and cruise to Ocracoke. If you like the laid back life, you will love it there. Plus the beaches are great, you can drive pretty much anywhere you want, the water is warmer and it's just beautiful. First picture is the gang I was with at the VA line, second is us up on a dune, (one that you're allowed to drive on).
I was in the OBX 2 weeks ago. We stay in Kitty Hawk that last full week of June every year, been renting the same house for 15 years. Unlike you though I was Jeepless. We drive out from TX every year and I couldn't talk my wife in to the cross country trip in the JKU. I really want to explore the 4x4 only area.
 
#24 ·
Update...I ended up ripping the plastic knob off of the bolt. Somehow and I'm really not sure how this happened, the bolt is completely stuck. I tried as hard as I could to get the bolt out, but it ended up sheering off. PLUS SIDE is that I can take my top off again, minus is that there's a small piece of bolt stuck in the hole....so now I have to figure out how I'm going to get that out. I thank you guys for all of your help, I really appreciate it. Next step is to figure out why the hell my top is leaking!
 
#30 ·
Update...I ended up ripping the plastic knob off of the bolt. Somehow and I'm really not sure how this happened, the bolt is completely stuck. I tried as hard as I could to get the bolt out, but it ended up sheering off. PLUS SIDE is that I can take my top off again, minus is that there's a small piece of bolt stuck in the hole....so now I have to figure out how I'm going to get that out. I thank you guys for all of your help, I really appreciate it. Next step is to figure out why the hell my top is leaking!
Like an earlier post said if you are running a full top you don't need the knobs. I haven't put them in for months, no leaks or any problems.
 
#27 ·
Ok then! I'll go ahead and take the other one out and see how it goes. I've had problems with leaks for the past 2 years...it hasn't been anything major...just annoying. Basically what I told myself and everyone else was, it's a Jeep...Jeeps leak...it's gonna happen, that's what they're made for. Which leads me into my next thread, about having bed liner put in, instead of carpet...tune in!
 
#39 ·
Can someone please help me? I was putting my freedom top back on and was screwing in The mounting bolts and have stripped one. It just spins and spins without tightening or loosening. Any ideas how to get it out?
Thanks LAexpat
Go back and read this thread. There is a tool available online that I saw that is like a socket that fits the plastic head of these bolts. Helps add some grip and makes removal easier. Never used one but it is an option, but won't help with a spinning head.

If the bolt breaks free from the plastic head and merely spins without moving then the only option is to break off the plastic head so that you can get to the bolt itself. Once the bolt is exposed, I would think that grabbing with vice grips should work. You might need two pair, one to grab the bolt in line with the bolt and one to grab the first pair to try to turn it. Also make sure that you are turning the bolt counter clockwise so you are not tightening it.

As a side note: I had a minor leak over the center of the dash but usually only a few drops. Not critical but bothersome. I removed my two freedom panels and cleaned the tops and the gaskets where they go together. I almost hate to say this out loud but so far the drips have not reappeared.

Not sure if this would come into play but the tops are fiberglass and may expand and contract in heat or cold. I believe that they might expand in bright sun and contract after dark. You might want to try to remove them at night when perhaps they have contracted??????
 
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