Moaning and groaning in 99 CLK cab
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 312
Likes: 30
From: Florida, USA
2017 Rolls Royce Wraith, 1999 CLK Cabriolet, 2023 Genesis G90
Moaning and groaning in 99 CLK cab
Hello, everyone:
I was out enjoying the beautiful Florida weather with the top down today
, and heard something worrisome when I arrived at my destination. As I was putting the top up, in addition the whining noises it usually makes, I heard what sounded like groaning and creaking coming from the back. It was heard in most parts of the top's movement cycle, right to the time when cover closed and the top made its final attachment. The car is going on eight years old and has 29,000 miles. In the past year, I have been using it more often and putting the top up and down two to three times each day. Any thoughts about what this could be and how much time and effort it might take to fix? The top is now back up and staying that way until I figure this out. 
I was out enjoying the beautiful Florida weather with the top down today
, and heard something worrisome when I arrived at my destination. As I was putting the top up, in addition the whining noises it usually makes, I heard what sounded like groaning and creaking coming from the back. It was heard in most parts of the top's movement cycle, right to the time when cover closed and the top made its final attachment. The car is going on eight years old and has 29,000 miles. In the past year, I have been using it more often and putting the top up and down two to three times each day. Any thoughts about what this could be and how much time and effort it might take to fix? The top is now back up and staying that way until I figure this out.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 809
Likes: 74
From: Dallas, TX
2008 E63 wagon (1 of 62)
check the fluid in the pump. If it is low, get the correct hydraulic oil and top it off to the full mark and retry it. If it is at the correct level then it is possible that your soft top pump is going out. Check the fluid level first though.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 312
Likes: 30
From: Florida, USA
2017 Rolls Royce Wraith, 1999 CLK Cabriolet, 2023 Genesis G90
Thanks for your help, Racin_fool. Pardon my ignorance, but where do I look to check the fluid level?
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in Maryland
2000 CLK 430 Cabriolet
This could also be wires involved in the lifting process starting to bind.
