94 sl320 convertible top problems hydraulic fluid leak - malfunctioning - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mal · #1 07-30-2006, 07:54 PM

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.

iwrock · #2 07-30-2006, 08:21 PM

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...

iwrock · #3 07-30-2006, 08:23 PM

Here is the DIY.

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

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

Mal · #4 07-30-2006, 11:05 PM

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

Mal · #5 07-30-2006, 11:08 PM

what fluid does it take?

iwrock · #6 07-30-2006, 11:24 PM

MB Hydraulic Fluid. Go to the dealer and ask for the soft top hydralic fluid. They will know exactly what you talking about!

dennis300sl · #7 08-07-2006, 03:18 PM

I can rebuild your cylinders for $30 each + $10 total for shipping.

Dennis

Mal · #8 08-07-2006, 05:21 PM

Excellent ill pm you and we can do this. Thanks. They are pricey the prices ive gotten are like 130 or so each.

jake dijkstra · #9 09-16-2006, 03:37 AM

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

bobterry99 · #10 09-17-2006, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake dijkstra

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.

SunGuy · #11 09-17-2006, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake dijkstra

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

Please post the contact info for Marion Hydraulics in Ocala-

Thanks-

Bob

dennis300sl · #12 09-22-2006, 07:48 AM

Bob,

I can repair any of your cylinders for $30 each + $10 total shipping. Be sure to check all of the cylinder for leaks to save on shipping costs. I recommend that which ever cylinders you have repaired to do both sides of the car. The increase in pressure in the system when the leak is fixed could blow out the old seal in the cylinder you didn't have repaired. I can turn around most cylinders the day after I receive them.

Dennis Ficken
16285 S Chester
Olathe, Ks 66062

(913) 390-0506

mroliveira · #13 08-01-2008, 08:19 PM

Hi Dennis,
Are you still rebuilding the cylinders for the 1993 Mercedes?
Thanks.
Marcio

dennis300sl · #14 08-02-2008, 01:12 AM

Marcio,

We're still at it, $40 per cylinder for any of the soft top cylinders and $15 total for return shipping via USPS Priority insured mail per order. We normally have the cylinders repaired and back in the mail the day after we receive them. We warranty the seals we replace for 3 years.

Make sure to check all of the cylinders carefully for signs of leaks. MB used the same seal material in all of the cylinders so they deteriorate at roughly the same rate.

Dennis Ficken
16285 S. Chester
Olathe, Ks 66062

mercedescylinders@sbcglobal.net

(913) 544-4521 Cell

jake dijkstra · #15 09-16-2006, 03:41 AM

it is my understanding that the fluid used is mineral oil which u can buy at any dollar store for well about a dollar