Hydraulic Fluid for Soft top

[bwheitman]

My soft top works just like it should. My car is a 96 SL and is getting old. I keep all my fluids changed, however, would it be wise to change the fluid in the soft top hydraulic system? How do I do this, and does it take a special kind? Any help would be appreciated. Best Regards,
Brian

[TheV12pwr]

As far as I am concerned ,there is NO need to change the fluid...

[Carlos Serrano]

I don't think you have to change it,mine rupture a seal and lost enough for the top to stop working , the MB dealer in Albany GA. charge me $35.65 for a quart of MB Hyd. fluid for my SL. If is not broken don't fix it !

[G-Benz]

Agreed. Top it off only if you have had to service the hydraulic mechanism and experienced some loss of fluid as a result. Otherwise, leave it be.

[HZach]

I changed my hydraulic fluid last year, because the convertible lid was relatively slow to open in hot weather. I used a battery tester with an extension hose to suck the fluid out of the reservoir and than refilled with fresh fluid. The dealer charged me $20.00 for the liter. It definetely improved to soft top operation.

[bwheitman]

Thanks Harald, I appreciate your help, I know that changing the fluids will prolong the life of the motors and the seals by keeping it well lubricated and clean, hydraulic fluid has a lot of detergent and will pick up dirt as it moves through the system, changing it out will help keep it clean and last longer. Thanks!
Brian

[op1]

My understanding is that it is under the spare tire. Is this correct?

[bwheitman]

Yes, The pump and resovoir are under the spare tire, they seemed to use every bit of available space in the 129, that is a nice safe place for it too.