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  #1  
Old 07-30-2006, 07:54 PM
Mal Mal is offline
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94 sl320 convertible top problems hydraulic fluid leak - malfunctioning

My top at first leaked a little from the top of the windshield when i operated my convertible top. Now its gushing everytime i use the top and the top is getting more and more sluggish. Obvously my fluid is leaking out Im sure every drop that leaks out brings me closer to complete failure.

1)where is it refilled?
2) why is it leaking? (seals?)
3) how can i fix it??
4) should I immediately put on the hardtop b/c I will soon not have a working softtop due to the leaking fluid? (and the softtop leaks but its summer and conv rule)

Any help greatly appreciated.

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  #2  
Old 07-30-2006, 08:21 PM
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Location: Hella NorCal
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I had that problem.

The reservior is under the spare tire well.

It leaks because the seals wear out over time. Combine that with the high amount of pressure the system uses, you get a geyser of fluid leaking.

It is easy to fix, and there is a DIY on this.

I would just stop using the top if you can until its fixed. The fluid doesn't mix well with the delicate electronics...
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91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
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  #3  
Old 07-30-2006, 08:23 PM
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roflmonster
 
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Here is the DIY.


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


And once again, thank you snowbilt for writing the article.
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91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.
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  #4  
Old 07-30-2006, 11:05 PM
Mal Mal is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinwrock
Here is the DIY.


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


And once again, thank you snowbilt for writing the article.

omg omg omg

wow wow

You rock and so does snowbilt. Thank you both. that was way too easy to find out.(now i just gota do it but if thats all the tools i need no worries!!!

thank you very much
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  #5  
Old 07-30-2006, 11:08 PM
Mal Mal is offline
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o yea

what fluid does it take?
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  #6  
Old 07-30-2006, 11:24 PM
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roflmonster
 
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MB Hydraulic Fluid. Go to the dealer and ask for the soft top hydralic fluid. They will know exactly what you talking about!
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91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.
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  #7  
Old 07-31-2006, 01:45 AM
Mal Mal is offline
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Thank you again!
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  #8  
Old 08-07-2006, 03:18 PM
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I can rebuild your cylinders for $30 each + $10 total for shipping.

Dennis
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  #9  
Old 08-07-2006, 05:21 PM
Mal Mal is offline
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Get out!

Excellent ill pm you and we can do this. Thanks. They are pricey the prices ive gotten are like 130 or so each.
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  #10  
Old 09-16-2006, 03:37 AM
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320 sl 1995 top hydraulic cylinders and sequencing

I just finished replacing all small cylinders in the top (12)
I found that if one leaks they will all leak. examination of the seals showed this is just an age issue . they crack. Just so everyone knows these cylinders can be rebuild by good hydraulic shops for about 40 bucks or less each/ (Marion Hydraulics in Ocala Florida).That is as opposed to 190.00 or so each for the least expensive new ones through benz. Dont buy used ones they wont last.
Now that the car is together again(its a pretty straight forward job) It will not sequence correctly.
In essence with the top locked windows up . the windows come down rear window part unlocks and lifts and then the storage cover pulls down instead of up. the sequence stops there , and it can be reversed,
With the top locked open in place nothing happens. I did disconnect the battery to reset the computer,
Anyone have any ideas? All hydraulic lines are numbered and in place.
One last comment . Do not lose the little locking tabs on the cylinders. They are one cent items but Mercedes requires the purchase of a whole new cylinder to replace them.
This while I am sure there is a box somewhere in germany with 10.000 in it. captaindijkstra@aol.com
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  #11  
Old 09-16-2006, 03:41 AM
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hydraulic fluid

it is my understanding that the fluid used is mineral oil which u can buy at any dollar store for well about a dollar
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  #12  
Old 09-16-2006, 05:15 AM
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Thumbs up

Sounds like a complicated job. Hope my top continues to work!
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  #13  
Old 09-16-2006, 01:27 PM
Mal Mal is offline
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Oil

Quote:
Originally Posted by jake dijkstra View Post
it is my understanding that the fluid used is mineral oil which u can buy at any dollar store for well about a dollar
Is this correct??? Anyone?
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  #14  
Old 09-16-2006, 03:17 PM
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I have never heard that one, but I wouldn't try it. Just pay the 25 bucks and have piece of mind.
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  #15  
Old 09-17-2006, 02:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jake dijkstra View Post
Now that the car is together again(its a pretty straight forward job) It will not sequence correctly.
In essence with the top locked windows up . the windows come down rear window part unlocks and lifts and then the storage cover pulls down instead of up. the sequence stops there , and it can be reversed,
With the top locked open in place nothing happens. I did disconnect the battery to reset the computer,
Anyone have any ideas?
I would access the soft top controller and remove the large connector. This is called the "Y" connector and carries the inputs from the various limit and proximity switches back to the controller. Then I would use a basic multimeter or other test instrument to check the open/closed state of all the inputs and see that they are all correct. If you need help with that, then reply back here or send me an email.

Also, I highly recommend using only the proper hydraulic fluid for the convertible top system.

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