89 560SL, soft top rear post wont release completely. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

IHateUserNames · #1 08-25-2009, 06:28 PM

I cant find this specific problem in the forum yet, hopefully someone has had it before.

When I try to put the soft top down, I release the rear as per the instructions, and the post pops up about an inch, then is stuck. I can't pull it up, out and up, in and up, it just won't clear. I have tried re-release, tried the safety switch in both positions, using some lubricant, release the front first, and all the combinations of the before mentioned I can think of.

Is something bent or out of adjustment? Is there a trick I don't know?

I don't want the top up the rest of the summer! Any suggestions before I try the dealer?

winecountryone · #2 08-25-2009, 08:36 PM

The smaller of the 2 release levers controls the latch release for the center post.There is an adjustment on the cable at the lever end.I did mine by trial and error until I got the latch to release fully.
If the little retaining clip pops off,pulling on the lever won't move the latch at all.If you can get the pin to pop up as you describe,use a small flat blade screwdriver to push the latch aside.Then pop the cover up.You can see the cable going to the center latch.Pull on the lever to see if you get cable/latch movement.
If the cable is frozen,replacements cost 10-15$.You could try spraying it with lube but mine broke despite lubrication.I chalked it up to age(my car is a 1974 model)

sokoloff · #3 08-26-2009, 07:52 AM

Stick that screw driver in on the passenger side and the pin ought to release.

meltedpanda · #4 08-26-2009, 10:35 AM

this is a real pain, as mentioned the smaller lever should pull the catch away from the hook, problem is that the cable to this becomes loose/broke and does not do its job. You must be very careful to push the hook mechanism to the drivers side , while pushing the top hook to the passengers side, that is if your hook is still adjusted properly.
have padding in place , one other way is to make a hook out of strong wire , slide it to the latch and pull
Once you have it open , look at the mechanism and find out where the problem is located, fix it and hope for the best. IMHO this is a poor set up , but hey not everthing on a Benz in perfect. I have studied this in attempts to make it better, but have not accomplished it. I am reluctant to even put my hard top back on because despite my many adjustments I still have stuck tops. And believe me getting a hard top unstuck is not good for your blood pressure!

Jack M · #5 08-26-2009, 07:01 PM

Hi. The simple way activate the latch is to open the trunk, move a bit of carpet that is in front of the Driver's side hinge out of the way.
Cut a coat hangar so that it is about 30 inches long of wire. Bend it so you have 2 hooks one on each end.
One about 2 inches long the other so that you can comfortably hold it . Insert it into the opening and fish aroud until you snag the cable. Just be patient you will know when you have caught it.

A slight tug will bend the cable just enough to move the latch and whalah?
Then go through and readust the cable so that it does not happen again. Save the wire just in case. T his is the advantage to mechanical rather than electronic operations.

Good Luck J

joselu43 · #6 08-26-2009, 07:37 PM

Good stuff! I have the same problem. This should work.

Jl

Harro10 · #7 08-27-2009, 08:14 PM

Thanks for the help, everyone. I had put some lube on the post though the inch it would raise but it did not help at first. I secured it closed and took a short ride. The lube must have worked it's way to where it was needed because it opened up on the first try upon returning. I will have to check the adjustment by the latch.

(My son posted the original message for me while I was out with the car, that is why the posting names do not match.)