54 34 016 Removing and installing/replacing left or right hydraulic cylinder for soft top

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE TRIM PANEL
Follow REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS for hydraulic system

IMPORTANT: Hydraulic fluid may emerge from the disconnected lines and the open connections on the hydraulic cylinder.

Protect components and work area with suitable materials (e.g. cloths).

When working on hydraulic system, observe the following:

Hydraulic system must be at zero pressure.
Disconnect feed line and return line as late as possible when the soft top is set down and with the system at zero tension.

Remove floor panel (1) from luggage compartment.

Fig 1: Identifying Luggage Compartment Floor Panel

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Lift storage box (1) out of luggage compartment.

Fig 2: Lifting Storage Box Out Of Luggage Compartment

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Opening shut-off valve:

Turn emergency operation screw (1) (if necessary with hexagon socket wrench from toolkit) on hydraulic unit (2) four to five turns in counterclockwise direction up to limit position.

IMPORTANT: Do not turn emergency operation screw (1) beyond limit position.

Fig 3: Identifying Rivet Connections And Roof Frame

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Dismantling/installing ball sockets:

Push on clamp in direction of groove with screwdriver
Lift off ball socket from ball pin
Slide clamp back
Fit ball socket on ball stud and snap into place with force

IMPORTANT: Never lift off ball socket with engaged clamp.

Fig 4: Lifting Off Ball Socket From Ball Pin

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Before installation, grease ball socket if necessary. Pack grease into two opposite positions in socket. The grease spreads after installation on the ball pin all round in the ball socket.

Push open retaining clips (1)

Detach hydraulic cylinder from main bearing.

Fig 5: Identifying Retaining Clips

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Disconnecting hydraulic lines from cylinder:

Push retainers (1) at top and bottom of cylinder using a screwdriver.

Detach hydraulic lines (2).

IMPORTANT: Protect separation points (lines and cylinder) against dripping fluid, e.g. with a cleaning cloth.

Observe hose markings.

Fig 6: Detaching Hydraulic Lines

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NOTE: New hydraulic cylinders are supplied retracted.

Check OIL LEVEL and top up if necessary.