R129 Roof Hydraulics - Help!

[chicane]

Has anyone ever replaced the dydraulic rams on the soft top mechanism for a 92 SL 500 (or similar)? Or know of any manuals etc that would show how?

I've just had 5 (yes 5) of the hydralic cylinder replaced at substantial cost only for 2, possibly 3, to start leaking shortly after. The ones leaking are one of the rear locking cylinders and one of the roof cover cylinders. One of the large cylinders that lifts the roof has a slight weep but isn't bad. The back two look relatively straightforward but I'm not sure how you get at the bottom of the cylinders (i.e. how to access beneath the floor of the roof compartment.

The labour charge for fitting the other 5 was 6 hours work! So I'd like to avoid that as the parts are expensive in themselves.

Alternatively, as I don't use the roof that often (and we are getting to the end of summer in the UK) could I just keep topping up the hydraulic fluid?

Has anybody else had similar problems with the roof? I believe that Mercedes changed the parts suppliers for the cylinders later on - presumably because they had experienced problems with them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[waybomb]

I have a 91 and have replaced the four cylinders that operate the locking mechanisms at the rear of the top. Very easy and straight forward to do. Open the top part way, open the trunk, remove the trunk lining, and you have access. All you'll need is some needle nose pliers to remove the rod end clips and the hose clips.

I hear the ones in the windshield pillars go to, but mine haven't yet.

[chicane]

Thanks for the advice Waybomb, it is much appreciated. I'll give that a go as soon as i have organised the parts. One of the large cylinders which lifts the roof is slightly weepeing but I think it has some life in it yet. Will tackle that next summer!

I've already had the two above the windscreen replaced. It's been an expensive experience - so that's why I've decided to have a go myself.

Did you drain the system first (e.g. by using the rrof repeatedly to force out the remaining fluid)? Is it as messy job (suspect so)? Is there anything I need to do to avoid airlocks?

Thanks again for your help!

[G-Benz]

The system is self-bleeding. No need to worry about air getting into the system.

Make sure you top off with MB approved fluid. You'll ruin the system with any other product...