Dreaded Soft Top Leak

[AuSL500]

How to or not to shoot yourself in the foot and fall into the O-ring trap.

I recently found the soft top not working as it should and discovered the RHS bow and rear lock actuators leaking ( hydraulic oil on the ground in front off and behind the rear wheel). Being handy with a spanner (I was an Aircraft Mechanic in a past life) I decided the take the DYI route to refurbish the cylinders. Without much thought or research O-rings were ordered online. Some actuators were easy to dismantle and service others were more of a challenge.
As I was installing the O-rings I got less enthusiastic about the result and now very concerned I was replacing lip seals with O- rings. I downed tools and did some more research and discovered I had purchased the cheap DYI kit.
What to do.
I had made a bit of a mess of trying to open one cylinder, so after reading some other DYI stories I decided to send off all the actuators to Top Hydraulics.
I could not have been more pleased with the result. The feedback and service was exceptional.
My only concern now would be the reinstall, NOT if they would work and for how long. The system worked first time, what a relief!
Even with my mistakes the job was very cost effective. My thanks to Klaus and all at Top Hydraulics.
1994. R129. SL500.

[Will_w202]

Both come highly recommended (Dennis by me, personal experience)

At $500ish for all 12, shipped, it's a no-brainer. Also, anyone who wants to cheap out and do 2 or 4 at a time (my previous owner), it will just increase the stress on the older ones, and they are going to blow anyway. The rubber all has the same lifespan.

Make sure you work that top often!

[AuSL500]

Thanks Will I will take your advice on using the top often. Its starting to get cool in the mornings in southern Down under (Melbourne) so I am putting in seat heaters. I wil put up another post regarging where to find the plugs in the center console if they exist. cheers Doug