How to Remove a Sunroof Shield

A sunroof shield deflects most incoming rain when driving at high speeds.

You can remove a sunroof shield in a couple minutes, using only a Phillips screwdriver. Sunroof shields are also called deflectors because they deflect wind as it rushes over the top of a vehicle toward the sunroof opening. An open sunroof is often noticeably quieter, and the cabin below is much less windy once a sunroof shield has been installed. Take off a sunroof wind deflector to replace it or thoroughly clean the roof below.

Things You'll Need

• Towel (optional)
• Phillips screwdriver (standard medium No. 2)
• Bug and tar remover (optional)

Instructions

1. Open the sunroof and the doors on the driver-side front and passenger-side front of the car. Tossing a soft towel over the frame section between the open sunroof and open door protects the paint as you work.

2. Step on the open door frame on the driver side of the car and search for the metal clip holding the sunroof wind deflector in place.

3. Pinch the nut on the underside of the clip with your free hand as you insert the tip of the screwdriver into the hex screw on the top side. Turn the screw counterclockwise as you hold the lower nut in place until they come apart.

4. Take off the nut; pull out the screw and slide off the loosened metal clip. Save this attachment hardware if you intend to reinstall the sunroof shield.

5. Move to the passenger side of the car and repeat the process to unscrew and disassemble the second clip.

6. Reach up through the sunroof from inside the car and lift the unsecured wind deflector straight up off the roof. Turn it sideways to pull it down through the sunroof and out of the car. Areas of the roof that are showing rubber residue marks after the removal can be cleaned with an automotive bug and tar remover.

Tips & Warnings

• A sunroof shield that is constantly getting loosened in the wind may need new attachment hardware.

• Never work on a car with the keys in the ignition, engine running or parking break off.

References

• MyCarWorx: How To Install Sunroof Wind Deflectors on Your Subaru