SL500 soft top problem

[simonshearer]

1997 SL500
Driver's side
Every time I disengage the soft top, there is a squirting (liquid) noise at the connection point at the top of the windshield, and then an oily substance drips on the seat, or me.
Photo attached - there's a drip forming...

Any thoughts on what might be wrong?

[abiby]

Originally Posted by simonshearer

1997 SL500
Driver's side
Every time I disengage the soft top, there is a squirting (liquid) noise at the connection point at the top of the windshield, and then an oily substance drips on the seat, or me.
Photo attached - there's a drip forming...

Any thoughts on what might be wrong?

Sure, you have a leaking top cylinder.
If you search this forum for "leaking top cylinder" you'll find a lot of useful info.
or you can go to this link for about all there is to know.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1307426-r129-soft-top-hydraulic-system-ultimate.html#post2262978

[simonshearer]

Originally Posted by abiby

Sure, you have a leaking top cylinder.
If you search this forum for "leaking top cylinder" you'll find a lot of useful info.
or you can go to this link for about all there is to know.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1307426-r129-soft-top-hydraulic-system-ultimate.html#post2262978

Many Thanks!

[jdonnee]

Common problem. They all need to be replaced. Replace both of them at the same time.

[SunGuy]

If you decide to DIY this problem, this is a very good 'How-To'

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

Both of the front hydraulic cylinders will have to be repaired or replaced even if only 1 is leaking presently, the other won't be far behind.

One of the most economic solutions is to have them rebuilt.

Mercedes Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuilder

Dennis Ficken
16285 S. Chester
Olathe, Ks 66062
(913) 544-4521

mercedescylinders@sbcglobal.net

[simonshearer]

Originally Posted by SunGuy

If you decide to DIY this problem, this is a very good 'How-To'

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

Both of the front hydraulic cylinders will have to be repaired or replaced even if only 1 is leaking presently, the other won't be far behind.

One of the most economic solutions is to have them rebuilt.

Mercedes Hydraulic Cylinder Rebuilder

Dennis Ficken
16285 S. Chester
Olathe, Ks 66062
(913) 544-4521

mercedescylinders@sbcglobal.net

This was a very easy DIY and made even easier with the link you sent me - thanks for that.

Having said that, I have another problem.

After deploying the soft top, I can hear the sound of what seems like intermittent sound of a pump activating every five seconds or so. If the soft top is retracted, the sound goes away.

I found the device that is making the noise in trunk above the battery. Is it supposed to make that noise and keep "pumping?" Is this the main hydraulic pump? Does this condition indicate low fluid level perhaps?

[simonshearer]

Originally Posted by simonshearer

This was a very easy DIY and made even easier with the link you sent me - thanks for that.

Having said that, I have another problem.

After deploying the soft top, I can hear the sound of what seems like intermittent sound of a pump activating every five seconds or so. If the soft top is retracted, the sound goes away.

I found the device that is making the noise in trunk above the battery. Is it supposed to make that noise and keep "pumping?" Is this the main hydraulic pump? Does this condition indicate low fluid level perhaps?

On second thoughts, it turned out that the hydraulic pump was not the culprit but the noise comes from what ever is behind the insulation in the picture attached.

[SunGuy]

Vacuum Pump...look for loose or cracked line(s).

The hydraulic pump for the top is in the bottom of the trunk, under the spare. Since you had a leak, you may need to add the proper hydraulic fluid to the level line.

Bob

[simonshearer]

Originally Posted by SunGuy

Vacuum Pump...look for loose or cracked line(s).

The hydraulic pump for the top is in the bottom of the trunk, under the spare. Since you had a leak, you may need to add the proper hydraulic fluid to the level line.

Bob

Thanks Bob.