SL-Class (R129) 1990-2002: SL 280, SL 300, SL 320, SL 500, SL 600, SL 60 AMG

SL/R129: Hydralic cylinders...2001 SL500

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Old Oct 3, 2016 | 07:59 AM
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2001 SL500
Hydralic cylinders...2001 SL500

I have a beautiful 2001 SL500. 32000 miles. I cant make it through a entire summer without one or more of the hydraulic cylinders for the soft top going bad???? Same thing for the last three years. Suggestions? Comments?
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Old Oct 3, 2016 | 05:49 PM
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Have any of the cylinders ever been replaced in the past? How often do you put the top up and down?
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Old Oct 3, 2016 | 07:42 PM
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2003 CL 600
https://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/en/

Have them all rebuilt, and enjoy another 15 years of good service. If they are starting to fail, all the seals are just as bad.

I did one locally, it started with 7 of the rams we sent, then after installing them we had 3 more leaking. Just do them all in one pass and be done with it.

Last edited by ItalianJoe1; Oct 3, 2016 at 07:45 PM.
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Old Oct 4, 2016 | 10:31 PM
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2006 Aston Martin Vantage
I agree with Italian Joe. I read that the rubber seals used in the OEM cylinders are just not good. Much like yourself, I had brand new ones just fail within two years with sparing use. Once I had them rebuilt with silicone seals, I had not replaced the cylinders in the remaining five or so years I had the car.
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Old Oct 6, 2016 | 04:23 PM
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From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Not to be an ad for Klaus, but do them all as rebuilds from Tophydraulic in Oregon.
Not sure of current price, but new from the dealer was very expensive, and the DIY is not hard, and if you are careful with slippery bolts, it will go well with a positive sense of achievement as well as thousands saved!
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Old Oct 14, 2016 | 01:32 PM
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Anybody has source for seals?
I hate to pay $55 (+ shipping) for "rebuilding" 2 seals that might cost $4
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