I believe I have a related problem. For quite a while I have noticed a hydraulic fluid leak that is creating a sporadic spot about six inches in diameter under the rear edgeof the right front wheelwell on my 98 600SL. This has been happening for about three months. Very recently, my wife noted hydraulic fluid dripping on her clothes from the visor mounting screwon the passenger side. At about the same time the top started being very slow in going up and down and has now stopped in the down position. My guess is that I have lost sufficient fluid that the hydraulic pistons are no longer functioning. My first question is does anyone have any idea where the primary leak could be? Is it possible that the fluid is traveling all the way down the windshield column and thru the body somewhere ending with the leak at the back of the wheelwell? Is there any other place this leak could be coming from?

Second, will refilling the reservoir under the spare tire cause the hydraulic pistons to function again or is there some way that you need to bleed them as with brake lines?

Please help, as driving with the top down on weekends is my primary form of therapy.

 

This is a common problem with the R129. Please read http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...light=ultimate

You will need to replacethe twofront hydraulic cylinders or have the seals within the cylinders relpaced. The hydraulic cylinder pump located under the spare tire will need to be refilled but it is not necessary until you fix or have fixed the two front cylinders. Do not lower your top again until you have the front cylinders repaired.

 

Great info. I have disassembled the latches and hydraulic pistons per the instructions with pictures and am sending them to Dennis for rebuild. Took me about 30 minutes to get them out. Thanks again.

 

repost

 

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...nder-post.html

 

I just noticed my driver's side window cylinder leaking this morning. I went to get into my car and noticed some fluid on my driver's seat. I didn't know where it was coming from and while driving to work, I noticed the drip from the visor. I'm glad to see that the fix is easy as I'm about to sell the car. Thanks for all the great information.

 

Does anyone know the specifications for MB Hydraulic Oil P/N 000 989 01 03 10?
My understanding is if you do not us an oil that meets the specs, you will do damage.

 

M-B p/n 000989910310 is the same as p/n 0009899103 which is the same as Febi-Bilstein 2615. For a MSDS please read http://www.febi.com/medien/pdf/T-1093183163.pdfFebi-Bilstein is the manufacture for the M-B p/n 0009899103
Please read http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...ush-renew.html

 

Hello, Thanks for all the info on these Hydraulic leaks, I was in the dealership today and could not beleive the cost to diagnose the problem let alone the repairs. I came home and tore into it and sure enough the cylinder on the drivers side was leaking, I've got a lot of experience in Auto mechanics but it is limited to soft top repairs. I've rebuilt many similar cylinders before and was able to look into mine to findout the piston seal is bad, my question now is there any kits or seals available? My problem originally started when I put on the hard top for the winter and the light on the switch stayed illuminated all the time, If I move the switch a little the light will go out for a moment then comes right back on. I noticed the tension also seems to loosen on the back after a minute, could this be the result of the latch cyl. leaking?

Any Suggestions will Be Appreciated,
Thanks

 

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