todd5854

Hello,

Before explaining my problem, I just wanted to say that I have read extensively on the convertible top hydraulics subject with these cars, and have talked with Klaus from Top Hydraulics.

My SL has a hydro leak that runs all up and down the right side of the headliner. The front right(passenger) corner is absolutely saturated, and it seems the fluid is making its way to the rear passenger side of the roof panel.

Research seemed to indicate that if the front lock cylinder was bad, the leak would be near the front/center of the headliner.

Is the fluid just running down the side of the hydraulic lines? Or do I have another problem? There seems to be no fluid on the drivers side.

Symptom:
-Top makes audible fluid squirt sound toward front of roof during operation
-top often (but not always) opens and closes at slower rate than usual
-trunk has trouble closing (not always)

Ghostty

If it's possible (and i'm pretty sure it is) i would strip down the interior cover of the top, so you could see the lines and the cylinders. Wipe them dry, and try to activate the lock/unlock process. See where it will show you new leaks - should be easy to track if dry.

I had similar problem on an R170, but the leakage was in the trunk compartment, somewhere along the lines. Funny story, there was fluid on the lines and the bottom (not a lot, of course) but with time it stopped. After that had the car for another year or so, roof was operating proprelly and no codes came on. Who knows ...

I would start with stripping down the top. Shouldn't be hard, free, and pretty accurate.

Regards

todd5854

It is definitely possible. But since I just bought this car, I am making the dealership handle it. I just wanted to make sure my knowledge was correct before being told it's not being covered, or it's a different problem, etc.

After Tuesday there will be an update!

BlownV8

The front right one went out on my SL. Same thing happened. It made a rather large mess down the whole right side of the headliner and even dripped all over the seats. The dealership managed to get the fluid stains out so it is good until the next hydraulic top issue pops up.

todd5854

I thought there was only one front lock?? I think there are two hydraulic lines going to it though.

Cool R230

Definitely the front/top lock cylinder....fluid shows up on the right (passenger side for those of us in the states)