SL/R230: My hardtop goes up & down "sluggishly"!
#26
Super Member
I just developed this problem, sorry for digging up a decade old thread.
Roof struggles to open, sometimes just hangs up, i hear the motor running but it doesn't have enough power to open the roof. I will have to check later, does anyone know what kind of hydraulic fluid this pump use? Can i use the Pentosin in my ABC pump? I'm hoping it's just a case of trapped air in the pump and i can just bleed it out. I dont even know where to fill the hydraulic fluid on this thing.
Roof struggles to open, sometimes just hangs up, i hear the motor running but it doesn't have enough power to open the roof. I will have to check later, does anyone know what kind of hydraulic fluid this pump use? Can i use the Pentosin in my ABC pump? I'm hoping it's just a case of trapped air in the pump and i can just bleed it out. I dont even know where to fill the hydraulic fluid on this thing.
#27
Super Member
CH11S Pentosin works. Some say to use straight hydraulic fluid as it smells better after it leaks.
If the fluid went somewhere, it was probably a leak in the front roof latch cylinder. It is always the first to go.
See attachment for how to fill the reservoir - if you have this model pump. They changed at some point, which others can elaborate on.
Any syringe with a tight fitting nozzle will work. You don't need the MB tool.
Also - remove both of the screws so the reservoir has an air relief. Works better to fill.
If the fluid went somewhere, it was probably a leak in the front roof latch cylinder. It is always the first to go.
See attachment for how to fill the reservoir - if you have this model pump. They changed at some point, which others can elaborate on.
Any syringe with a tight fitting nozzle will work. You don't need the MB tool.
Also - remove both of the screws so the reservoir has an air relief. Works better to fill.
Last edited by kbob999; 04-09-2018 at 11:54 AM. Reason: add note
#28
Senior Member
I show and use Mercedes fluid ZH-M part # A000989910310. from Autohauz, Arizona The pump is on the drivers side of the trunk under the mat. Get a STRONG light on its reservoir (semi -clear plastic tank) and see if level is between the 2 small arrows. Look hard and you will see them. If below lower arrow it needs fluid but look for a leak also. You fill this with a syringe and it is a real bugger to do! You will see two aluminum screws on the assembly, the one nearer the FRONT is the filler spot. I cannot find the photo of the deal right now but I hope another member chimes in here. You can loosen the screw closer to the rear of car to aid in filling but it is still a bugger. The manual shows use of a very special syringe to do the job ($65) which screws into the front most opening for a tight seal. My dealer says it can still be bought. Fluid goes everywhere without it. It is SLOW job without the special tool but it can be done. Thanks Kbob I just now saw your reply!!
moretech
moretech
Last edited by moretech; 04-09-2018 at 12:16 PM. Reason: update
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FxFormat (04-09-2018)
#29
Super Member
Thank you gentlemen, i'll take a look at the pump later to see what's going on. Last time i checked, it looked dry and new, as if someone changed it before i bought it. Mine is a 2005 with 77K miles.
#30
Senior Member
FX, thanks for reviving this topic. While my roof operates normally, I did go and check the fluid of my '03 that I bought a month ago. It has 50k on the clock and is at the lower marker.
now for my question to those who have more experience. I started to open the fill screw closest to the front and after a few turns started getting a lot of fluid seeping past the threads. The car has been sitting for 4 days and should be depressurized. Is this normal? If the tank is low how is there fluid seeping out?
thanks for the comments
now for my question to those who have more experience. I started to open the fill screw closest to the front and after a few turns started getting a lot of fluid seeping past the threads. The car has been sitting for 4 days and should be depressurized. Is this normal? If the tank is low how is there fluid seeping out?
thanks for the comments
#32
Senior Member
#33
Senior Member
Can't really say there is always some coming out ( or not going in) as you try and squeeze it in the hole. This is a big mess with a lot of lost fluid (new or old)
moretech
moretech
#34
Super Member
Hi, it's normal for some fluid to seep out, do not worry mine was like that, let it seep out and use a clean rag to clean up whatever comes out, after some spillage you'll see the hole opened up for you to fill, use a syringe and just slowly drip the fluid in there. I use the same fluid as the ABC and it seems to work fine. Fill it to the top marker. It'll take some time, after that just cycle it up and down a few times by opening and closing the roof, then open up the bleeder screw to let some air out.