CLK 230 Convertible - Manual Roof Operation
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Joined: Jan 2015
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W211 E350
CLK 230 Convertible - Manual Roof Operation
My 2001 CLK 230 leaked a whole lot of hydraulic fluid out on to the trunk lid and now the roof won't open and close automatically - local MB Dealer quoted me $2800 to repair - does anyone know if it is okay to operate the roof manually by following the instructions in the manual as It will take me a while to source the right parts and try and do the repairs myself.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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2015 E400
My 2001 CLK 230 leaked a whole lot of hydraulic fluid out on to the trunk lid and now the roof won't open and close automatically - local MB Dealer quoted me $2800 to repair - does anyone know if it is okay to operate the roof manually by following the instructions in the manual as It will take me a while to source the right parts and try and do the repairs myself.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
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From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
namkiwi....When the soft top compartment cover opens into it's vertical position, if the rear bow lock cylinder has a port leak, hydraulic fluid will drop onto the trunk. You can easily verify this, by just removing the carpet panel, from the inside of the soft top compartment cover.
On a short term basis, using the instructions in the owners manual for manually operating the roof should present no problem, because the hydraulic system pressure is reduced, which should prevent additional fluid leakage onto the trunk lid.
Leaking rear bow lock cylinders has been a frequent issue, because it's service life is shorter, due to where it's located, in an environment of high heat, that accelerates the deterioration of the seals. Also, in addition to the port seals, the cylinders have internal seals, which are likely to soon fail as well. For this reasons, avoid any repair that uses a previously used part (e.g. from a EBay seller, pick and pull salvage yards etc.).
Your best option is to have the cylinder rebuilt by Top Hydraulics, who will replace all of the seals. The price for rebuilding the rear bow lock cylinder is $45. Note: If you're not in the U.S., they also support international customers.
You'll find more information regarding pricing options at:
https://www.tophydraulics.com/23-w208-clk
Replacing this cylinder is very easy. You'll find Top Hydraulics 'how to replace the rear bow lock cylinder' video at:
On a short term basis, using the instructions in the owners manual for manually operating the roof should present no problem, because the hydraulic system pressure is reduced, which should prevent additional fluid leakage onto the trunk lid.
Leaking rear bow lock cylinders has been a frequent issue, because it's service life is shorter, due to where it's located, in an environment of high heat, that accelerates the deterioration of the seals. Also, in addition to the port seals, the cylinders have internal seals, which are likely to soon fail as well. For this reasons, avoid any repair that uses a previously used part (e.g. from a EBay seller, pick and pull salvage yards etc.).
Your best option is to have the cylinder rebuilt by Top Hydraulics, who will replace all of the seals. The price for rebuilding the rear bow lock cylinder is $45. Note: If you're not in the U.S., they also support international customers.
You'll find more information regarding pricing options at:
https://www.tophydraulics.com/23-w208-clk
Replacing this cylinder is very easy. You'll find Top Hydraulics 'how to replace the rear bow lock cylinder' video at:
