I have a 1999 SL500 and there appears to be oil leaking from the right rear fender well. I assume it is from the hydraulics for the convertible top. As a fairly good "home mechanic", what can I do to try to diagnose the problem?

 

with the top down, lift up the metal flap where the top hardware comes up through and you'll see a screw, remove and take the flap assembly off for a better view. be careful to make sure you check the smaller bow top hydraulic cylinder, it will leak down on the main top cylinder making you think that's the one leaking when it's the bow cylinder instead. luckily it's the right side leaking, cause the left side bow cylinder has the micro-switch making the cylinder a couple of hundred more if you buy new instead of having it rebuilt. be very careful installing the bow cylinder. it must be guided into place without putting the full weight of the top on to it.

 

If you are unable to execute the repair contact Dennis. I recently went through this problem and this company was able to rebuild the hydraulic cylinders. Good luck.

Dennis Ficken - Rebuild Hydraulic Cylinders for SL 500‏From:<IMG id=P___2133106170 style="DISPLAY: none" webimdisplayStyle="inline"> dennis ficken (mercedescylinders@sbcglobal.net)

 

would that work the same way on a 94 sl 500 on the left side behind the driver side on top of the tire it just bleed the cylinder down.its dark now but it looked like it was coming from above the actuator.what a mess...its that its own system .only had the car a month.

 

Is there an ipc breakdown for a 94 500sl anywhere.i found some great parts breakdown from pelican parts for my porsche but not mercedes.i was looking especially for the convertible top mechanism.i think its done bleeding,just got to find out where.....

 

I too have had the pleasure of working with Dennis Ficken. He gave my instructions for the R&R of the convertable hyd latching cylinders that were spot on. He also rebuilt them for me. Turn around time was very fast. I was happy happpy happy.

Larry Kliewer