steevo9k

Does anyone know how to manually flush out hydraulic fluid from the lines coming off the hydraulic pump of the convertible top on a 2007 SL55 AMG?

HLG600

Why do you feel the need to this? Did something fail, introducing debris in the lines?

If you're just changing old hydraulic fluid, cycling out the old fluid over a couple of drain & fills (working the top mechanism a couple of times in between) is a much safer option.

steevo9k

transmission fluid got into the lines. i have ordered a new hydraulic pump and want to get all the fluids out before installing.

tonylinc

Trans fluid in the roof hydraulic lines? How is that possible?

HLG600

I'm curious as well since that is very unusual.

Below are a couple of videos that might help you get started.

You would effectively need to disconnect the lines from both ends and clear them out, perhaps first with air and then rinse with fresh hydraulic fluid.

After everything is reinstalled and the reservoir has clean fluid, I would also check the fluid quality after lowering / raising the top a few times.

If you encounter any discoloration (which should be immediately noticeable since most transmission fluid is bright red), change the fluid in the reservoir and repeat until all you have is clean hydraulic fluid.

steevo9k

I put it in there. I had a situation where it got stuck in the half-way-open position because fluid had leaked out from a busted seal in an actuator. And I wasn’t home and the only thing I had was transmission fluid. I replaced the actuator and left T Fluid in there since it worked. But i didn’t realize that it would eat the seal up.
And so here we are
Thanks for the video, that should help!!!

tonylinc

Ahh, makes sense. Sorry to hear that happened, hope all works out well.

tonylinc

I have a question, is there a schedule for replacing the hydraulic oil in these top systems?
Not knowing how new or how old the fluid is in mine, would it be advisable to buy some new fluid,
and vacuum out of the reservoir and refill a few times over a month period? As preventive maintenance?

HLG600

Ah, sorry that happened. That's a tough spot to be in.

Clean fluid is generally a good idea, since even new fluid sitting on a shelf will break down after enough years.

That said, the fluid in the retractable top mechanism is (by far) the least-stressed one in the car. Maybe do a visual inspection and take it from there.

asabo423

Does anyone have a video and how to get to the hydraulic pump and actuator for the top? I think mine may have started to leak because I see oil dripping down on the driver side in front of my rear tire behind my body panel.