R129 Hydraulic roof leak advice

[Pcn1]

This morning , in the area where the sun visor pivots in the corner of the top edge of the windscreen,
I've noticed a drip of fluid coming out and dropping on my knee !

It feels a little oily so I'm thinking its leaking from the roof release mechanism. Actually, the little plastic covers that go over these "swivel arms" on the sun visors are both cracked, so possible they have been removed before.

Can anyone throw me any advice here, would this be a easy home mechanic fix or best left for an expert in these matters ?

I cant really drive it until its sorted out now, unless I have rags over my knees !

 

[BTB 500]

Hi this isn't something I've had myself but it does ring a bell so may have been discussed here before. Maybe see if you can find the thread(s) using the search tool (or Google, against https://forums.mbclub.co.uk).

My guess would be leaking seals on a hydraulic actuator ... probably not a DIY job (depending on your skills/equipment).

 

[alabbasi]

Yep, ruined a good shirt because of this. Those cylinders are easy to get to if you remove the top and will only weep if you try to open the roof.

There are two cylinders that are for latching and unlatching the roof which you can do manually.

Remove.the plastic cover and you will see them. Removing them is easy and then you can send them out to have the orings rebuilt or watch a million YouTube videos out there that show you how to do it.

Those are the easy ones. The rest are a huge pain. Expect your car to be apart for a week or more if you have to replace them all.

 

[Pcn1]

Managed to find a few YouTube vids and it seems pretty easy.
Getting the spare oil seals isn't so easy, can only find a USA source so far.
Anyone know who may sell parts or recon them in the Uk ?

Thanks

 

[alabbasi]

I can guarantee that they'll sell the o-rings in England. You just need to find someone who specializes in o-rings.
Failing that, regular round o-rings should work

 

[neilrr]

Hills Rubber Co. Ltd
Reading
0118 950 3083

I'm guessing you need viton o rings.

 

[Flyinspanner]

Get VITON, they are oil/hydraulic oil safe. Plain rubber rings will degrade quickly and fail.

 

[grober]

Upgraded convertible top hydraulic components for Mercedes R129 SL-Class 1990-2002 - Top Hydraulics, Inc

Mercedes-Benz R129 SL-Class DIY Instructions and Interactive Diagram - Top Hydraulics, Inc

 

[Pcn1]

Seems the factory use a "U cup" type oil seal. The cheap fixes are just O rings, Viton or not.

Sealkit Set Mercedes Benz SL R129 90-01 for roof hydraulic cylinders | eBay

Might just get a full set so I'm future proof !

 

[BTB 500]

Good find!

 

[Pcn1]

Same e-bay seller does the front window latch kit for only £24.
I went with that for now. If the rears give problems I'll cross that bridge later !