355 Spider Top

I have a 99 spider and I’ve been using it quite frequently for the past month, taking the top up and down. But last week, I parked my car and was trying to close the convertible top but the roof moved very slowly and then suddenly stopped half way. I took it back down, and tried to repeat the process but it just wouldn't move at all. While I was closing it manually, I realized that there was black grease or oil leakage from the part behind the driver left shoulder - very close to the seat belt harness – also one side of the top tends to close before the other, making the top unbalanced. I can't seem to identify whether ONLY the top mechanism is weak, or if it’s something else that’s causing the problem. Are there certain items that tend to malfunction on Spiders such as top mechanism, hydraulics, or struts which could be replaced to solve the problem? Any spider owners have similar problems or have any hints for troubleshooting this problem? I was told that in such instances the whole top has to be replaced altogether, is that true???

 

Thanks guys...By the way, I just bleeded the hydraulic fluid and toped it up last month. But as u mentioned, I might have to change the cylinders to stop the leakage. My only concern would be are there other parts that tend to wear out in the top...because I the whole top mechanism feels weak. Just recently, it use to close faster. Regarding the garage, its always good to get a second opinion...Mowater kindly email me his number