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My 2007 Sl550 roof is making a whining sound when opening or closing. After some research it looks like the PSE pump reservoir is low on fluid (see the picture). I have learned that a special tool is needed to fill the reservoir (part number 203-589-01-63-00). My question is: is there anything I should be aware of or a process that I should follow when filling the reservoir and how fill should it be, also do I need to be concerned about air bubbles when filling it?
Any experience you have with topping this off would be appreciated.
You'll just need something like a hypodermic (minus the needle) or a small turkey baster to inject the fluid. If the level is low, then you have a small leak somewhere that you probably want to fix before it becomes a big leak. A likely source for leaks is the windshield latch cylinder, located int he rood headliner.
The PSE pump is the pneumatic or air pump that is below the hydro pump you have in the photo.
To fill the tank tank you need to let the system depressurize for up to an hour. Then loosen the two plugs on the top that accept an ALLEN wrench.
One is to fill it is the one closer to the front of the car, the other is to let air escape as you fill the tank. You can fill the tank with a small syringe
pressed into the fill port. Go SLOW. It takes time without the special tool.
You have a leak in the roof system somewhere. Most common failur point is the front lock cylinder. I did a post on how to repair it not long ago. The "O"
ring that is replaced is available on eBay and there is a newer one that more closely matches the original. Search this forum for where to get it.
Sorry for the confusion this it the Vario roof hydraulic pump not the PSE pump. There is only one port to open and you need a special adapter to attach to the port to fill it.
Look at the PDF I posted - the fill port is on the end of the reservoir. You'll have to unfasten the bolts holding the pump in place and carefully move it so the fill port is accessible.
the fill port is on the top for this unit. I have taken it out and attached the fill tool but can't get any fluid to go into the unit. I have read the attached procedure and I am confused on how to bleed off the pressure so that I can add the fluid. Does anyone have any idea on how to release the pressure?
Did you follow the procedure from the post that Rodney made? Fill port is on the end of the tank. The one on the top of the unit is a relief for air while you are filling. Take is slow. The system will "bleed" its self after filling. Cycle the roof a couple of times and you may have to re-fill a bit more as Air is forced from the system.
Thanks guys for your help, I was able to fill the reservoir to the proper level and the system is working great, no noise. I will keep an eye on the oil level and see if it drops. I did not have to add much and since I am the third owner on 11 year old car the amount I added did not seem to be alarming. I have got a lot of good advice on this forum and really appreciate everyone's help
By the way for anyone who has this same pump the procedure is simple, loosen the bolts holding the pump down, tip it on its end slightly, remove the cap on the end of the reservoir and fill to the + sign. simple process.
Thank you Rudeney for posting both versions of the pump fill procedure. My trunk is stuck open and the roof is closed. Thankfully this allows access to the pump. I have been searching for days to find the correct procedure. Without your effort I would still be looking.
The PSE pump is the pneumatic or air pump that is below the hydro pump you have in the photo.
To fill the tank tank you need to let the system depressurize for up to an hour. Then loosen the two plugs on the top that accept an ALLEN wrench.
One is to fill it is the one closer to the front of the car, the other is to let air escape as you fill the tank. You can fill the tank with a small syringe
pressed into the fill port. Go SLOW. It takes time without the special tool.
You have a leak in the roof system somewhere. Most common failur point is the front lock cylinder. I did a post on how to repair it not long ago. The "O"
ring that is replaced is available on eBay and there is a newer one that more closely matches the original. Search this forum for where to get it.
A quick note of thanks to this forum and these posts.
I was able to temporarily fix my roof with a small fill of hydraulic oil. Cost all in around $100 for the oil and syringe. If it acts up I plan a winter tear down to determine which cylinder is leaking.
thanks again.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
A cheap alternative for the syringe. I wanted to change oil as preventative maintenance. The tank is never under pressure. I melted a hole in the tank for easy drainage and filling with a large syringe (no needle) and hose that reaches the tank bottom. Drilling is out of the question, because plastic shavings will end up in the system. Taped hole afterwards.