SL/R129: 1997 SL 500 soft top hydraulic leak rear driver side
03-17-2009, 08:11 PM
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1997 SL 500 soft top hydraulic leak rear driver side
1997 SL 500 soft top hydraulic leak rear drivers side. I have a hydraulic leak coming from just behind the drivers side door. It leaks when I put the top up or down. I checked the hydraulic level and it is now low. Does anyone know of this problem or how I can get to the hydraulics by the drivers side rear wall by the back shelf.
thank you
howard
thank you
howard
03-18-2009, 10:03 AM
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'87 560SL Sold, '99 SL500 For Keeps
1997 SL 500 soft top hydraulic leak rear drivers side. I have a hydraulic leak coming from just behind the drivers side door. It leaks when I put the top up or down. I checked the hydraulic level and it is now low. Does anyone know of this problem or how I can get to the hydraulics by the drivers side rear wall by the back shelf.
thank you
howard
thank you
howard
The leak means that the hydraulic cylinder's seal/o-ring has given out. This is very common to our cars and a simple matter to have rebuilt as a new cylinder from the dealer is $150 +/-, and the best rebuilder charges $40 and warrants for 3 years. Suggest you contact:
Dennis Ficken
16285 S. Chester
Olathe, Ks 66062
(913) 390-0506
mercedescylinders@sbcglobal.net
He may also have the step by step instructions on how to remove the panels to get to the cylinder you'll need to repair.
Bob
03-19-2009, 09:18 AM
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Additionally Howard, you can also find the instructions for panel removal at www.alldatadiy.com via their subscription service...about $30/yr; or buy the 129 DVD from www.mbusa.com for around $90; if located in the states, you can go to most public libraries and get free access to AllData and print off the pages you need.
Bob
Bob
03-19-2009, 10:44 AM
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Been there and done that. Using Dennis to rebuild is the way to go. Do not let the project overwhelm you. Initially it looks nearly impossible to remove the offending cylinder. Just take it slowly. Think things out. The clips that hold the cylinder on may get away from you when you remove them so be careful. Have an inspection mirror along with a magnetic probe to retrieve it if need be. I found that tying the rag-top in a vertical position helped a lot to get to things both on the removal and install. Make sure you buy MB hydraulic fluid to refill the pump when you finish. I also recommend removing both cylinders above the windshield and let Dennis rebuild them at the same time. I'd much rather do it before they leak fluid all over my interior or clothes. Good luck.
03-19-2009, 10:47 AM
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I also recommend removing both cylinders above the windshield and let Dennis rebuild them at the same time. I'd much rather do it before they leak fluid all over my interior or clothes. Good luck.
+1...excellent idea
Bob
+1...excellent idea
Bob
