Leaking cabriolet convertible top hydraulic piston

[mdreef]

Hello folks,

I have a 2001 996 cabriolet with a hydraulic leak on the drivers side piston. I recently had to add hydraulic fluid to the convertible top reservoir, but it immediately leaked out of the bottom of the piston.

Is there any fix for this or do I need to replace the entire part? has anyone else encountered this problem? Where would I purchase parts for this fix?

Thanks in advance!

[RKH]

Try http://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/

Klaus (owner there) is a trained Engineer, very knowledgeable and expert in the hydraulic system of Mercedes and I think he should be able to do Porsches too.

[DaveCarrera4S]

Or try http://cabriolethydraulics.com/index.php. Good luck!

[mdreef]

Thank you both! Looks like an expensive fix.

[RKH]

Klaus at TopHydraulic is very reasonable in rebuilding hydraulic cylinders for Mercedes. I assume it would be similar with Porsches. Give him a call and see how much.

[rrcgrb]

Mdreef,

My 2004 C4S Cab had the same issue that started on the driver side, unfortunately I am not as astute as a mechanic as the majority of the people in this forum and I had it replaced with a new OEM cylinder from a local independent shop.

Then within 6 months, the other one on the passenger side went out......same issue. Hydraulic fluid dripping from the back wheel well.

You are correct....these are not cheap to fix, but living in a Convertible weather, it is a must. If you can get them both repaired at the same time, by all means do that. I would have.....

Good Luck.

[mdreef]

Thank you for this advice. I planned to only rebuild the leaking side, but now I will do both, as I suspect the other one is probably on its way out as well. I plan to take them off today and send them in to Cabriolet Hydraulics.

Thanks again!!

[bigmsm]

Just to add a thumbs up to a vendor, I exchanged my cylinders for rebuilt's through Cabriolet Hydraulics.  $450 for both; came with detailed removal and install instructions, very well packaged including a bottle of hydraulic fluid. Zig (owner) was readily available for any questions.