360 Spider softtop hydraulics

check between the seats for resv.remove elec.block to find fill plug.try adding 2oz to start.

 

I just had the same problem, the top didn't work smooth and eventually stopped working. It was the fluid level, low. I was able to get the plug out without removing the whole harness and pulling the assembly out. I've included the tools you'll need to do the job.

Just pull the panel off and move the seat-belt out of the way...you can see the reservoir. I'm not sure which size allen-wrench I used, but I got it right on the first guess. My allen wrench fit right back there (tight) but I got it in. I then used a chisel to keep pressure on the back of the allen wrench to keep it in tight. Not often do you get to use a chisel on a Ferrari

I then took a screwdriver that has a removable end...I removed the end and slipped it over the allen wrench like a torque-bar. With a firm uplifting movement, I easily loosened the cap. A few turns with the allen wrench and then you can use your finger to rotate it out. No problem.

I used a syringe from a marinade thingy (available at the market)...then some drip irrigation tubing, and finally an irrigation tubing connector which I grinded down to be more of a needle. YOU WON'T NEED TO DO THIS....even if you push the tube all the way in, much of it will flow out as you inject. Here is the big key: either jack the passenger side of the car up OR park it on a curb so that it's at an agle: you need the fluid to fall into the reservoir.....it will do this if the car is leaning sideways!

Fluid in, cap on....reassemble area VIOLA'

Too easy!!

here are the tools I used:
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Steve,
if your insulation work ever slows down, I think I will hire you as a tech, Its rare to find someone who uses the initiative to solve problems instead of just breaking stuff. Glad the roof works

 

That pump, valve block and lines look like they where lifted right out of a Benz, hence the use of MB fluid.

 

Since the hydrallic system likes to lose fluid, is it possible the system may injest air into the lines?? Does the system cycle through the fluid (self bleeding) like a power steering system??

Mine has to be helped a little by hand too. So it looks this is next on the fix it list.

 

very very helpful thanks.

Ive just taken off the panel and discovered that my res level is now well below half full hence why im starting why the roof is now struggling to close.

One stupid question, can anyone tell me where the cap is i need to unscrew to syringe in the new fluid ???

 

Ok one quick update from me. Just been to Mercedes (Reading UK) and bought 1 litre of the Merc Fluid for my roof total cost £10.46 GBP bargain !!!.

Have also been to Halfords and got some gadgets to help insert the fluid.

 

thanks lou

just did another write up with some more pics to help everyone out. sorted mine now only took around 30 mins. Thanks for the great advice.

 

My understanding is the Mercedes hydraulic fluid is just relabeled Pentosin (apparently all the German car makers use it). http://www.pentosin.de/ They make a couple different ones. I use the Pentosin CFH 11S. So if a Mercedes dealer is not nearby, you could source this online or from an foreign auto parts house.

 

That's interesting Lou, you saw this warning on the can? I don't recall this on the can I have (I'm travelling so I can't check), nor any such warnings on the Pentosin website or product description:
http://www.pentosin.de/shop_produkt.php?c=214,228&pid=668&vid=

http://www.pentosin.de/flexxtrader/data/usf/Pentosin%20CHF%2011S_GB.pdf

The product has many vehicle manufacturer approvals, as listed on the page above, including DaimlerChrysler (Mercedes).

The Mercedes fluid you are mentioning, may in fact be the Pentosin LH-M which seems very similar in coding to the Mercedes label ZH-M. The difference being that it appears to be a mineral based product, where the CHF 11S and CHF 202 are synthetics.

I think you did the safest thing and take the recommendation of your dealer.

 

That's beacuse the top mechanism is German made by same company that makes for M-B.

Sorry, but Steve could not accept that position. It has been already taken by Ray Johns!!!

 

Hey guys, what is thelevel that you fill the resevour to. I see that it has a mark in the middle of the center but is that indeed the fill point? Any help on this would greatly appreciated.