Softtop Hydraulic System

[glakes]

Does anybody know if and where the hydraulic fluid resevoir is for the softtop on a 91 500SL? Thanks

[kknudson]

I believe it is in the trunk, under the spare.

[glakes]

Hey KKnudson, Thanks for the Tip. Sure enough, the resevoir & pump were under the spare inside another cover . . . and guess what? . . .it was very low, just as I suspected. The top wouldn't go up or down due to low fluid. I also found that the two small cylinders that raise & lower the softtop storage lid are leaking. You helped me out a bunch - Thanks again - Duane in Michigan (glakes)

[kknudson]

Glad I was right, I remember reading that somewhere recently. Although with my memory, you were lucky I was right.

"I haven't lost my mind, it's backed up on floppies somewhere"

I might check mine too. It works well, except sometimes it doesn't quite close hard enough at the windshield. I was cycling it and usually it would lock after a try or two, figured out I can pull gently as the top finishes and it seems to improve it.

Interestingly it works fine when I'm showing it off, doesn't work when it's just me. Strange huh.

Could also just need a good greasing, I'm waiting for the top kit from Phil to fix the fold problem on the older SLs. Figured I'd grease all the hinges etc when I replace the parts.

Later