POLL - Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder R&R

[lynns]

Originally Posted by rwt2102

Lynn,

My '92 500SL had the "2 main top rams and 2 deck lid rams replaced by an INDY on 5/3/2006 under the previous owner. Receipt shows he paid $729.00 for parts and $1,907.00 for labor. Now, I discovered today after lowering the top that fluid had leaked on the ground in front of the lleft rear tire. I'm new at this so would much appreciate some advice re: R&R. Thanks!

I'm sorry but I am not that familiar with replacing the rear cylinder seals but there have been people that have done so. You will find that if you want to become more familiar those people, in order that you can PM them for help, you will need to read more than several of the posts at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...te-thread.html as well as http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...ml#post2423463

If you decide to DIY would you please take pictures and do a DIY write up as quite honestly we are weak in this area. Thank you in advance for your help.

[aam]

Originally Posted by rwt2102

Lynn,

My '92 500SL had the "2 main top rams and 2 deck lid rams replaced by an INDY on 5/3/2006 under the previous owner. Receipt shows he paid $729.00 for parts and $1,907.00 for labor. Now, I discovered today after lowering the top that fluid had leaked on the ground in front of the lleft rear tire. I'm new at this so would much appreciate some advice re: R&R. Thanks!

My friend, we need more info.
I been there, did that.
Take a flash light with top off and look in the holes, for oil on top of the cylinders.
Then you will know what leaks.
Yes it is in the back left, but witch one?
1) Then again do you want to do the repairs your self?
2) Do you want to replace all cylinders, new, or have them rebuild?
Then you can post your finds in the forum, or send a pm to me.
Regards.
aam.

[tjobeid]

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...what-pics.html

[cec96sl500]

Lynn,

Just curious, it's been a couple of years for this poll, any updates on findings? Did you come up with a conclusion on "lifespan" of the cylinders based on temps, region, MY, flushing fluid?

I am flushing the fluid this weekend to hopefully prolong the life of mine.

POLL

1) Which Hydraulic Cylinders have you replaced? None :crossing fingers:
2) How was the service performed? NA
3) What year did you perform the repair? NA
4) What year and color is your R129? 1996 Triple Black
5) What City and State do you reside? Boulder & Steamboat Springs, Colorado
6) Do you have any additional information that you feel is important to the poll? The climate idea is interesting, I live in a cooler, dryer climate. The first four years the previous owner had the car in NY, since then in CO.

Edit: Saw the 'baked' comment below, good point. No sun baking for this one since it's move to CO.

Thanks as usual.

[johnvinh@hotmail.com]

Originally Posted by cec96sl500

Lynn,

Just curious, it's been a couple of years for this poll, any updates on findings? Did you come up with a conclusion on "lifespan" of the cylinders based on temps, region, MY, flushing fluid?

I am flushing the fluid this weekend to hopefully prolong the life of mine.

POLL

1) Which Hydraulic Cylinders have you replaced? None :crossing fingers:
2) How was the service performed? NA
3) What year did you perform the repair? NA
4) What year and color is your R129? 1996 Triple Black
5) What City and State do you reside? Boulder & Steamboat Springs, Colorado
6) Do you have any additional information that you feel is important to the poll? The climate idea is interesting, I live in a cooler, dryer climate. The first four years the previous owner had the car in NY, since then in CO.

Thanks as usual.

1) None
2) NA
3) NA
4) 1998 (SL600) Silver
5) Southern California
6) I am the second owner. Bought the car from the previous owner who did not use the Soft Top. Still in brand new condition. Works flawlessly without any problems. Recently renew the Hydraulic Fluid following Lynns DIY instructions and found the color of the Hydraulic Fluid was slightly darker but not much darker than VERY LIGHT BEER COLOR.
BTW no problems with my ADS system (fingers crossed here). Works perfertly still.

John N. Vinh

[chriswufgator]

Originally Posted by lynns

I have seen so much talk about Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder R&R that I would like to take a poll on the following.

1) Which Hydraulic Cylinders have you replaced? Front, Rear?
2) How was the service performed? DIY, INDY, or STEALER?
3) What year did you perform the repair?
4) What year and color is your R129?
5) What City and State do you reside. Just checking for Temperature reasons.
6) Do you have any additional information that you feel is important to the poll?

I need to break this down between cars:

1990 300SL:

1) Front latches, tonneau cover rams.
2) Under warranty at the $tealer
3) 1996
4) 1990 300SL, Black/Saddle
5) Daytona, Florida
6) Car baked in sun all day in parking lot of bank building where the office is.

1998 SL500:

1) All
2) Front latches replaced under warranty, remainder done by Dennis Ficken.
3) Front latches replaced 2006'ish, remainder 2008.
4) 04/1998 build date, SL500, Black/Black
5) Daytona, Florida
6) Car bakes in sun all day in parking lot of bank building where the office is.

2001 SL600:

1) None
2) N/A
3) N/A
4) 10/2001 build date, SL600, Silver/Black
5) Daytona, Florida
6) Garage queen. Never let it bake in the sun.