Hydraulics oil leaks from windshield top latch lock (sl320)

[19542743]

Hello all,
I was driving the SL320 and I started to put the top down. I noticed a small drip of oil from the latch from the top part of the windshield where the top locks down. It was only a drop and I did not pay much attention to it. A few days later again when I put the top down it poured out. please HELP. Did the hose break or the cylinder fail from age. It is a 1996 Sl320

many thanks for all your assistance
19542743

1996 SL320
2005 CLK320 (the wifes)

[G-Benz]

Do a search on "hydraulic locking top cylinders". This is a common seal failure for the R129 models.

The units cost around $150 apiece. Someone posted a thread with pics detailing the replacement procedure. You can do this at home in about an hour.

I replaced mine about a year apart when I owned a 95 SL. Make sure that fluid doesn't get on clothing as it WON'T come off.

[iwrock]

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/R129TopRelease

[19542743]

Hello,

thanks again for all your help. will do it next week

michael

[SunGuy]

Here's the contact information for the cylinder rebuilder many of us have used. Dennis is quite experienced with these, turns them around quickly, warrants for 3 years and is incredibly reasonable in pricing (compared to buying replacements from MB) Roughly 1/3 of the replacement cost to have Dennis rebuild them. He also recommends rebuilding these in 'pairs', as if one side has blown it's seal, the other side is not far behind.

Mercedes Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuilder

Dennis Ficken
16285 S. Chester
Olathe, Ks 66062
(913) 390-0506
mercedescylinders@sbcglobal.net