F430 Spider Convertible Top Leaking Hydraulic Fluid | FerrariChat
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F430 Spider Convertible Top Leaking Hydraulic Fluid

Discussion in '360/430' started by Tulsa328, May 2, 2023.

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  1. Tulsa328

    Tulsa328 Rookie

    Nov 14, 2022
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    Chris Parker
    #1 Tulsa328, May 2, 2023
    Spider owners please help. Convertible top leaking hydraulic fluid down the rear vinyl window and fabric. The top won’t retract either way stuck halfway and I’m bummed with such nice weather. So, I know it must be a leaking ram of sort but have no clue how to access it to find the one leaking or how to pull it to send it in for repair. Please help. Thank you. Image Unavailable, Please Login


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  2. Tulsa328

    Tulsa328 Rookie

    Nov 14, 2022
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    Chris Parker
    #2 Tulsa328, May 2, 2023
    Last edited: May 2, 2023
    Edit: I believe I found where the fluid is leaking and it’s in the front lip where the locking cylinders are (see 2nd pic). It makes sense now because it leaks down in the stowed away position. Still yet any advice or tips well appreciated [emoji41] Image Unavailable, Please Login


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  3. Yellow Compass

    Yellow Compass F1 Veteran
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    #3 Yellow Compass, May 2, 2023
  4. ScottS

    ScottS F1 Rookie
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    Scott S
    #4 ScottS, May 5, 2023
    I just got a PhD in this problem Similar problem but small leak.

    Could be pump, hydraulics, top pistons.

    Was it slow before?

    Needs to be inspected and examined

    My 16M has the top pistons leaking- sent out for rebuild ( 16K for all new if they can be found) thankfully my pump is ok.

    Replace the elastic /place supplemental straps while its apart. Will help performance and decrease the wear.

    Are you doing this yourself? Or through an independent?

    Good Luck.
     
  5. EastMemphis

    EastMemphis Formula 3
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    #5 EastMemphis, May 6, 2023
    If the front locking ram is leaking, the two side secondary cylinders are likely also leaking, or are going to start leaking soon. I suggest rebuilding all three as they are pretty simple to replace and are relatively inexpensive to have rebuild. I used Top Hydraulics to do mine. They have a kit for the locking cylinder so that the lines can be cut instead of removing them all the way back to the pump. It turns a 10 hour job into a 15 minute one.

    The real trick is removing the stink from the hydraulic oil. You're in for a year of smelling that no matter what you do. I suggest cleaning it the best you can asap.
     
  6. Tulsa328

    Tulsa328 Rookie

    Nov 14, 2022
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    Chris Parker
    #6 Tulsa328, Jun 24, 2023
    Sorry for the late response, but yes I sent off for rebuilt locking pistons and installed them myself and added more hydraulic fluid. They were very slow and then wasn’t long until I started noticing fluid everywhere. Thanks for letting me know about the elastic straps I did not know that.


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  7. Tulsa328

    Tulsa328 Rookie

    Nov 14, 2022
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    Chris Parker
    #7 Tulsa328, Jun 24, 2023
    Thanks for the reply. Are used top hydraulics as well and change the locking cylinder out myself with no problem at all. I wished I’d done the other two, but at least if they go bad I know my way around it and can get it done.


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  8. Skywhale

    Skywhale Karting

    Aug 17, 2022
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    Carsten
    #8 Skywhale, Aug 22, 2023
    Here is a video on made on replacing the leaking top cylinder:
     
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