Fix the convertible roof Hydraulic Cylinder on SL55 AMG R230 for under $20!

IMPORTANT: WHEN WORKING ON THE RETRACTIBLE ROOF BE VERY CAREFUL AS IT CAN COLLAPSE AND CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOU. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE ROOF IS SAFELY PROPPED SO IT CANNOT MOVE.
In this video I show how I rebuild the convertible roof Hydraulic Cylinder on my SL55 AMG R230 for under $20. I've heard of shops charging over $2000 to fix a stuck convertible roof.
Here is the link where I bought the seal and O Ring:
convertiblehyd...
I asked the dealer if they sell it anywhere else and got the following links from them.
Amazon:
www.amazon.com...
Walmart:
www.walmart.co...
Bonanza:
www.bonanza.co...
eCrater:
www.ecrater.co...
#SL55AMG #Mercedes #R230

[@pfoxhound]

This is the first time I see someone fixing it himself! Well done!

[@oscarvillagran6511]

After many months of having doubts if I should do this myself, your video gave me the push to just do it. I had already purchased the seal and the tools but initially thought it was too hard. It took me 3 hours last night and finished everything thanks to your video. The hardest step for me was getting the C·ring out (and in). You saved me!

[@SkydiveSim]

Glad to hear it! Yeah the C ring was hard for me too!

[@basmachful]

подскажите артикул кольца.

[@shandragooden1079]

I agree. You made the process look seamless and thank you for being as detailed as you were. Great job! I am confident I can.

[@Eric66MD]

Amir - how’s the seal holding up? I have the same issue and was going to send out to TopHydraulics and was looking for their videos on KZbin. I’ve got a shop here at my house so I’ve got the tools, just making sure it held up

[@oscarvillagran6511]

@@Eric66MD I did the process over a year ago and everything is still working without issues.

[@joeyjackoff298]

This was video was a life saver. the dealership wanted $5,00 to repair this. I I bought the O-ring and did it myself for less than $50 including the pump refill kit. I was nervous about drilling, and I over drilled a little bit, but it still worked. it took me about 4 hours to do it with plenty of breaks and replaying sections of this video. I would recommend covering the front seats and center console with a sheet or something so you dont drop those little clips or bolts. Great instructional tutorial on how to do it. Thanks a bunch.

[@SkydiveSim]

Glad it helped. Do you mean the dealer wanted $500 or $5000?

[@mdj9765]

Thanks very useful. The roof is a marvel of engineering, it seems the ram is self bleeding.

[@avgguy7]

Great vid. Removing headliner, mine was a little tight in the back. Before applying more pressure, took a look. Clips glued on and excess spread and glued headliner to top. Other than that, most difficult part was remove and replace c-clippy thing. When drilling the hole, aim for the clip Spent more time working up the courage to tackle it than actually doing it.

[@kenuffsaid]

Thank you for the helpful video! I have a 07 SL550. I had a leak from my passenger visor and just completed this in about 3 hours after receiving the $16 part from Amazon. I am a 2/5 if 5 is an EXCELLENT mechanic. It took time, but wasn't difficult. I was quoted $1700 for the repair, but the indy wanted to replace unnecessary parts (pump, lines, front lock cylinder, etc.).Getting the the c-ring off and back on took the most time. You may need two picks to get it off, and a needle plier to get it back on. No leaks, and I didnt need to refill my pump - seems to be above the line. Thanks again, I'd buy you a drink or a coffee if I could!

[@joelblauvelt5062]

I was able to drill the access hole with the cylinder in place rather than removing all the zip ties, then, on the bench, I drilled-out & replaced the collar, replaced the U-cup (better choice than the trying to stretch the O-ring over the collar). Re-assemble in the car. Perfect!! Thank you a thousand times for this!

[@SkydiveSim]

Yeah I would have done U-cup but didn't have the right kind of tools to make it happen. Glad the video helped!

[@2011Mcclaren]

Thank you. It's a daunting task, but with your video it was done within 2 hours, start to finish. I would add, make sure you have the correct tools at hand, and TRUST me is was a doddle. Thank you again🙏

[@TheJaboa]

Im happy you showed the correct seal and o ring and that the closest cheep o ring did not work

[@OatesSteve]

Thank you, I did the same job, however I replace that’s front lock cylinder, I wish I would’ve tried just doing the O-ring, keep up the videos, every time you do a repair on your vehicle make a video it really helps others working on their Mercedes SL. Great video thank you” beautiful car.”

[@SkydiveSim]

Thanks, glad the video helped!

[@patricklemble9297]

Guys ,had the same problem , was looking for the problem for month , finally realized the screw that holds the cylinder was coming out , almost falling off , retightend the screw and the roof worked perfectly , check that those screws holding the cylinders are tight !

[@SkydiveSim]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing!

[@lartymarf]

Hi Amir. I just wanted to thank you for this amazing video from start to finish. The camera work is on point and your description and caution points are clear and concise. With this details that you have shared, I now have the courage to take on the task myself. Again, thank you! Very much appreciated!

[@SkydiveSim]

Thanks, glad the video helped you get started! Feel free to let me know if questions come up along the way.

[@lartymarf]

@@SkydiveSim Thanks Amir! By the way when you took out the rod from the cylinder was there any remaining pressure in the hydraulic line that would cause the oil to spew out? From the video it looks like there is no pressure in the line but still wanted to check with you since you removed the rod twice. And also it’s almost a month since you posted the video, everything still ok and no leaks? Thank you!

[@SkydiveSim]

@@lartymarf there was no pressure in my case. If your roof is not functioning and your fluid in the pump is bottomed out, there is a good chance the is no pressure at all. But still be careful. And there have been no issues with the roof since I posted. I’ve been putting the roof up and down a lot too!

[@lartymarf]

@@SkydiveSim Thanks Amir! My roof is still functional as of last night and the oil leak has sped up a little as I noticed the oil on the passenger seat now. In the engine off mode with pump not running, and the roof open by a few inches ready for repair work, in this off state is the rod fully inside the cylinder? I’m thinking in this state the pressure in the line should be minimal if the rod is not extended. Also, after you installed the new o-ring and put the rod back inside the cylinder, did you have to do anything to purge any air bubbles in the cylinder or fluid line? Thanks!!!

[@SkydiveSim]

@@lartymarf Sorry just saw this. I'm sure you got it working by now. If the engine is off, you shouldn't need to open the roof to work on it. It is good to have it closed. If you do open it a few inches make sure it is propped against something so it doesn't accidentally move and damage your fingers. Once you do fix it and add Hydraulic fluid, the system fills up and you should be good. Check the pump after running it a few times. You will most likely have to add more fluid. Let me know how it goes!

[@maraudingmerc9381]

I can't tell you how invaluable this was to me! Can't wait to swap it out on the SLK.

[@SkydiveSim]

Glad it helped. It’s exactly why I made it.

[@blumax240]

Super video! A super important step to add is that the three torque screws holding the cylinder bracket go through slotted holes. It’s important to mark the exact location of the screw in the slot to get it mounted back exactly the same. Otherwise, one side will latch and the other side will not or vice versa. Again super video. Hope this helps also.

[@SlightReturn666]

This is a great video! I'm an okay DIY mechanic but I've found that I am just not very skilled at anything involving trim and fiddly stuff. I would have expected that this task was beyond my capabilities, but watching this video I _think_ I could do it! Famous last words: "What's the worst that can happen?" ;-)

[@SkydiveSim]

“What’s the worst that can happen?” Is exactly how I do most of my DIY jobs started! Lol Glad the video helped!

[@MISTAMUSIK]

Great video and well explained nothing left out like the last video who left out how to take off headliner, how and where to drill hole and where to put the fluid back and tool to do so..

[@davisbrewer6136]

Much thanks for your detailed path for doing the repair. I am currently having hydraulic leak coming from the right side of the top that’s needing repair on my 2005 SL500. I will be attempting the repair while using the knowledge demonstrated in your video.

[@SkydiveSim]

Glad it’s helping!

[@TheoSmith249]

@@SkydiveSim I have same '05 SL500 Toronto climate- I think the climate can thermally cycle the seals into early failure...especially if not used through a winter.. currently I have no leaks but I'm feeling I'm on borrowed time, and do not want a leak and damaged soft trim. Dealer want's 5,200CDN for job. NUTS! Will attempt with new added confidence from this video... Thanks AMIR!

[@randg5161]

Excellent video! Thanks for the walk-through. Very concise & to the point.

[@Blksgrv]

thanks for the video I will be doing this soon

[@muhammedkaka3606]

thank you for putting together such a detailed video

[@MerrittJeff1970]

You are my hero i have this same problem!!!

[@MerrittJeff1970]

You didn't show how you sealed up your drill hole and what product you used.

[@donaldcarter4324]

Thank you for a great tutorial!

[@rocketshop4529]

To easily refill hydraulic oil:(I did this works great) Heat up a screw and then screw it into the top of the plastic reservoir, remove screw, add oil, replace screw, easy! The reservoir has no pressure, so no worries

[@giuseppematera9654]

The measures of ORing seal? my best compliments!

[@ike7539]

0:08 this is how mine is. I am planning on going to some mechanics to see what they would say/quote... I just don't want it to be an experimental repair while I am paying for their sweet time. I may dive in to fix on my own in a few days.

[@SkydiveSim]

Let us know what they quote you and if you do decide to do it yourself!

[@ike7539]

@@SkydiveSim I ended up leaving the car for a repair. One of the "elephant ears" was broken and that whole thing (its one piece) had to be replaced. Parts plus labor total damage was $1660.

[@larrybland007]

Very good information

[@georgesnasr7227]

Thank you for the video it helps alot

[@jefferycook1707]

Good evening I didn't see the update on the leaking top

[@SkydiveSim]

It's still doing great, no leaks at all.

[@Naturebycarter]

Thank you so much for you valuable video it is priceless - quick question do you still need to drill if your using the O ring ? what the difference between the seal and the O ring .. much appreciate your info

[@thenanook]

bro thank you!!!!!!!, a quick question; this mechanic did a mess on my car and looks like he lost some screws, do tou know where i can get the schematic or plans of this roof with part numbers? thanks!!!

[@SkydiveSim]

You're welcome! I'm not sure where to get the schematic. Did you ever find it?

[@DrTonyS-eq5xs]

Saw your video and followed it. YIPPEE it worked like a charm. THANK YOU!!! ....Where did you get the bag of black O-rings and what type are they so I can order them. Know it will leak again in a few years or decades 🙂

[@SkydiveSim]

The bag of O rings actually didn't work. I have a link in description that shows where I got the O ring that actually worked.

[@stoft4590]

Bravo 👏

[@robertbutler8004]

Headliner and circlips if you don't know what they are.

[@basmachful]

Спасибо за видео!Скажите артикул(номер)детали(кольцо).У меня такаяже проблема,появились капли масла из под ошивки крыши.

[@SkydiveSim]

Пожалуйста! Ссылки откуда заказывала в описании.

[@basmachful]

@@SkydiveSim Спасибо!

[@tombiondi9969]

I just bought a ‘12 and don’t have any leaks. I’m paranoid about leaks inside the cabin and the potential damage it could do. When these fail, how much of a leak is it? I’m thinking about doing this proactively but don’t want to go looking for trouble if it’s probably good for another five years. I test drove an ‘05 a few weeks ago and it had a leak on the pass side over the door. Fluid was pouring all over the interior. Secondly, the nightmare scenario of having the top stuck DOWN. I’m going to find a cockpit cover that I can keep in the car just in case. I don’t see specifically for the R230 but there’s gotta be one that’s close enough.

[@SkydiveSim]

You can probably keep an eye on the hydraulic tank and just check it every once in a while. If you see it's starting to lose fluid, that would be a sign to start looking for the leak before it gets too bad. You can put the top up manually. (I just didn't know that at the time). With the power off and no pressure in the hydraulic lines it is possible. But be very careful because there are lots of pinch points that can cut your fingers off.

[@TheoSmith249]

Hi Tom- I'm in same situation, albiet with a '05. (just acquired) the car is perfect though- All systems baby'd with only 75,000km. Looking at proactive repair of vario roof cylinders. I'm in Toronto area and I think cold winters with cold garages allow the seals to thermally age faster, especially with no use. I'm not sure if cycling the roof in the winter(just above zero) is a good , or bad idea. I think the U cup seal is a better choice of seal, so wondering if you proactively updated the seals on your '12?

[@robertsaunders904]

.Amir, my SL500 has the same issue as the beginning of your video. When I tried to put the top up it stopped about 2 inches and then would not move. I was able to pop the trunk and refill the reservoir but it now says "trunk not closed", even though it is. Is there a way to manually get the top up to work on it? Nothing will move! Thanks for your help.

[@SkydiveSim]

I closed mine by having someone push the close button and help the roof to close position by hand. Works better with two people one on each side of the car. (Be super careful if you do this. Lot's of pinch points and can literally cut your fingers off!) I have heard of the trunk issue. Never tried it but read somewhere if you disconnect the rear battery and connect again, it might reset it and bypass the warning.

[@1kardaddy]

I just did mine,top worked but next day another leak is coming from rear or car

[@SkydiveSim]

Yeah I've heard once one cylinder goes the rest are likely to follow.

[@lousautosales]

do you have a link to replace the rubber trim that got wavy?

[@tsull44]

Amir, where are you located…can I pay you to fix mine!?!

[@SkydiveSim]

I don’t do it professionally but I’d be happy to answer any questions you have!

[@tsull44]

@@SkydiveSim I’m not mechanically inclined at all so I’m looking for someone to help fix it…and I’m not paying thousands for a repair on a 17 year old car

[@SkydiveSim]

@@tsull44 yeah that’s exactly why I did mine as well. Im really not mechanically inclined either, but forcing myself to be.

[@SkydiveSim]

@@tsull44 By the way if you don't want to rebuild the cylinder yourself, another option is to use Top Hydraulics. You send them your old one and they send you a refurbished one with line couplers. www.tophydraulics.com/7-mercedes-benz

[@tsull44]

@@SkydiveSim I saw thank you, but I’m not even familiar with the manual operation of the roof or getting the headliner off

[@hiltonwiggins1490]

I can’t find the link to the part

[@s85mselishti67]

Thanks for your video where do I get the ring

[@SkydiveSim]

Hi, there is a link in description.

[@garministries]

Can you help me get the headliner off? How do i get the top to move if the pump doesn’t have pressure? I don’t see how to get the headliner off to do the job. PLEASE HELP me…

[@SkydiveSim]

To get the headliner off, since yours is not pressurizing you have to have someone help you lift it to the up position. It’s not hard to do but BE VERY CAREFUL where you put your fingers as they can get cut off if jammed. There are many points that can cut you. That being said carefully lift one side while another person lifts the other side. There are screws in the front and fasteners on the rear side. I show that around 2:30 in the video. If you have more questions feel free to ask.

[@vspwr1]

I got a Mercedes convertible SLK 2004 leaking as well...so I just buy the new seal and follow these steps same.same ?

[@SkydiveSim]

Honestly I'm not sure if its the same on SLK or not. (I think there is a good chance it's the same) It's probably a good idea contact the guys at "Convertible Hydraulic Seals and see if they know the same seal will work. Their link is in the description.

[@zanastumasonis]

is it a visible leak when the top lock cylinder leaks? any way to tell without taking the headliner off? thanks

[@SkydiveSim]

You might be able to see the fluid on the driver or passenger side. If you see any curling at either side that is a definite sign that it is leaking or has leaked at some point.

[@katem9117]

How did you get the trunk open? We had the same thing happen to our SL55 yesterday. I can’t get the trunk open to check hydraulics.

[@SkydiveSim]

I forced the top back on by having someone press the button while I helped move the roof up. If you try this be super careful. There are lots of pinch point and can cut your fingers off. You can also try using the key inside the key fab. Put it in the trunk key hole and turn it. It will open it in service mode.

[@katem9117]

Thanks for your reply. So you pulled it up rather than closed? We tried to open the trunk with the key but it didn’t work. I didn’t want to force it. With the top up a bit, I figured the trunk lid is a bit out of alignment so that’s why we couldn’t get it open. We drove it home so we could garage it. I kept getting a vario roof not locked message. When I turn the car on I get a vario roof in operation message despite nothing happening.

[@SkydiveSim]

@@katem9117 yeah I actually put it in my garage the first night as well but then figured if I can force it closed then I can take my time and fix it. Also it might be kind of hard to look at the pump with the roof still in the trunk but it’s doable.

[@katem9117]

Glad to hear you pushed it closed. I’m not sure if we’d try to look at the pump or raise the roof manually but I want to be able to drive it. At the very least to get quotes at some local shops. We’re having bad car luck. Accident in our daily driver last week then this issue with the SL. Supposed to go car shopping this weekend but now will have to rent something if we can’t get the roof closed.

[@shantanugupta5058]

Any tips on getting the C ring back in? I’ve been struggling with it all day today. Everything else is good, just need to get the C ring back in.

[@SkydiveSim]

I remember that being a pain. Lol I’d say if it gets you frustrated take a break and then go back at it with a calm mind. I remember getting frustrated with it and it was counterproductive.

[@shantanugupta5058]

@@SkydiveSim Thanks so much for the quick reply, I really appreciate it. Your video has been very very helpful, I’m doing it on my 2008 SLK 55 AMG, same front cylinder! I do feel a bit frustrated especially since my thumbs hurt haha, I’ll try again in a bit. Any other tips or tricks? Did you use a plier?

[@kenuffsaid]

Just came to say, this was the most difficult for me too. I put the ring partially in, then used needle nose pliers to squeeze and press it in. thumbs are hurting, but everything works. Took me 25 min.

[@MISTAMUSIK]

I have an 05 SLK and I think the part is the same. It just starting leaking last week on the passenger side and now on the driver side as well. Could it be just the 1 O ring that needs to be repaired as well? Or is there and 2nd one?

[@SkydiveSim]

For me it was just the one. It’s placed towards the center so it does leak to both driver and passenger side.

[@xinoman]

How did you know "that cylinder" was the one to fix? I'm starting a SL500 roof fixing myself.

[@SkydiveSim]

There was hydraulic fluid to the driver and passenger side near the windows and windshield. Have you checked the hydraulic pump to see if you’ve lost fluid?

[@xinoman]

@@SkydiveSim Yes I have and my pump is way to the bottom level. So I have made refill and on half way open the level drops from max to the ground. Definitely leak bit where.

[@t.p.9232]

All the other cylinders seem to be in the trunk or under the roll bar. So, if you have oil on your door windows this is the highest point for it get on the windows.

[@soonerseaj]

Do you have to drill a hole to get c-ring out?

[@SkydiveSim]

That’s the way I did it. It is very hard to do it without being able to push on it from the hole.

[@Anonymous-st7ew]

Im trying to drill but the piston keeps coming back up when the instructions says to push it in before drilling. How to make it stay pushed down?

[@SkydiveSim]

It shouldn’t come back up if there is not pressure in the lines. Can you post a picture or two of what it looks like?

[@Anonymous-st7ew]

@@SkydiveSim even though I release the pressure from the pump it was still coming back up, it was because the boot was half open the was keeping the pressure

[@SkydiveSim]

@@Anonymous-st7ew so once you closed it, you were able to hold piston down and drill?

[@johnd769]

Amir, how did you get your roof back up and out of the trunk to work on the hydraulic cylinder?

[@SkydiveSim]

I had my girlfriend hold the button to close and I helped the operation by pulling and pushing on the related parts in various stages. But be very careful if you do that. There are many points that can cut your fingers off.

[@johnd769]

@@SkydiveSim Amir, thank you...

[@SkydiveSim]

@@johnd769 welcome! Let me know how it turns out!

[@mariselacruz2785]

Can you please send me the link I need this oil ring I trying others is not work !! Please

[@SkydiveSim]

Hi, it’s in the description of the video. It’s the very first link in there.

[@elijahlane411]

what size drill bit did you use to drill the hole to remove the C clip

[@SkydiveSim]

I can’t remember but I started small and made it just wide enough to reach the clamp

[@joelblauvelt5062]

Where is link to source of Seal & Syringe?

[@SkydiveSim]

Hi Joel, it’s in the description. I got the Syringe from them as well.

[@joelblauvelt5062]

@@SkydiveSim Indeed it is! My apology & Thank You for making this most informative video!

[@johnhenry407]

where is your link for o ring?

[@SkydiveSim]

Hi, it's in the description.

[@lostinthesmoke_]

How many cylinders for hydro roof

[@SkydiveSim]

Can’t remember the exact number but mine was only the one in the ceiling that failed and I fixed.

[@lostinthesmoke_]

@@SkydiveSim yeah we got the same car and my too started leaking 2 weeks ago

[@lostinthesmoke_]

@@SkydiveSim remember the number shop gave u, so far that's my option I don't know much about cars to fix on own lol

[@SkydiveSim]

@@lostinthesmoke_ do you mean the price? I didn’t get a quote, the shop just told me it wouldn’t be cheap! Lol I’m not a mechanic either, I just like taking things apart!

[@georgesnasr7227]

The whole roof takes 8 and 3 for the roll bar

[@baba_3od]

I have a problem with the roof but I think it’s electrical problem

[@SkydiveSim]

What is your roof doing?

[@baba_3od]

@@SkydiveSim the opening switch is red and the back trunk switch is not open it

[@SkydiveSim]

@@baba_3od No sure I understand. Can you post some pictures? Maybe we can figure it out.

[@baba_3od]

@@SkydiveSim sure Amir I’ll post it tomorrow morning due to time deferent 👍 thanx bro

[@baba_3od]

@@SkydiveSim Amir I posted some videos to what’s happening to my SL55 👍

[@Dranreb865]

All that for a roof 😂

[@SkydiveSim]

Absolutely! I enjoy taking things apart, learning and fixing things. And I saved $2500! All wins! 😀

[@jimnunya1253]

💖🙏🙄

[@FAF832]

Thank you for making this video! Your video and this video helped me, a rookie, do this job with some basic tools. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5q2ZnWFgJWZisk

[@dejanvelimirovic3301]

Prevedite na srpski

[@EduardoRodriguez-eh9le]

Hi what is the size of the seal? thanks

[@SkydiveSim]

I don’t remember but there’s a link for the place that I got it from in the description.