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Trouble with Spyder top

Discussion in '348/355' started by ClydeM, Oct 29, 2011.

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  1. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
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    #1 ClydeM, Oct 29, 2011
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2011
    a '95 Spyder. It's rare the top will raise & lower with just one button hold. It usually goes up or down to a point & then does the error beeping. There seems to be no consistent stopping point. If I immediately press the button again, it may go a little further, then beep again. But usually the 2nd press everything goes to completion. This is up or down. I've checked the fluid and it's full. It happened today going up. First press and the roof started to come up, stopped way short, and beeped. A 2nd press and everything ran fine. Ideas?
     
  2. gus355

    gus355 Formula Junior

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    #2 gus355, Oct 29, 2011
    What if you use the emerg switch?
     
  3. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
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    #3 ClydeM, Oct 29, 2011
    I haven't tried the emergency switch yet.
    Will do.
     
  4. Monteman

    Monteman Formula 3
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    #4 Monteman, Oct 29, 2011
    Mine would do that sometimes especially if it was cold out. Try flushing the system. It made a difference on mine. The old fluid gets pretty thick and cruddy.
     
  5. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
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    #5 ClydeM, Oct 29, 2011
    What type of oil do you use as a replacement?
     
  6. jm3

    jm3 F1 Rookie

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    #6 jm3, Oct 29, 2011
    Is your parking brake warning light lit up the whole time,?
    Any junk under the seats keeping the seats from moving nicely forward?
    Are you remembering to "flip the bar"?
     
  7. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
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    #7 ClydeM, Oct 29, 2011
    Parking break on - check
    seats free to travel - check. and they do.
    flip the bar - check.

    the top starts to travel & then stops & the beeps. and another press of the button & it continues. That's what has me wondering what stopped the process.
     
  8. gus355

    gus355 Formula Junior

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    #8 gus355, Oct 30, 2011
    I used to flip the bar, then I realized it was just the elastic that had worn out, replaced it (about $2) no more flipping.
     
  9. Monteman

    Monteman Formula 3
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    #9 Monteman, Oct 30, 2011
    It was Castrol Hydraulic Fluid although I've heard of people using several different types of hydraulic oil up to and including jack oil. I'm not sure I would recommend that but there are several good quality hydraulic oils out there. Also +1 on the elastic from Gus355. It seems minor but makes a big difference.
     
  10. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #10 bcwawright, Oct 30, 2011
    Mercedes Benz ZH-M
     
  11. Labman

    Labman F1 Rookie
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    #11 Labman, Oct 30, 2011
    Mine does this too. Esp when cold out. If you lubricate all the joints (there are a lot of them) with WD40 this should help. Also that worn out elastic strap has a lot to do with it too. Still have to replace mine.
     
  12. Jeff348

    Jeff348 Formula Junior

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    #12 Jeff348, Oct 30, 2011
    Which bar are you guys talking about?
     
  13. Labman

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    #13 Labman, Oct 30, 2011
    The bar that the elastic straps pull back (or supposed to) on the top, right over your head, when the top is up. If the elastic is stretched out then you have to help it back when the top is retracted.
     
  14. gus355

    gus355 Formula Junior

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    #14 gus355, Oct 31, 2011
    I like to use a product called fluid film, it lasts really long and won't run like WD.
     
  15. shado

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    #15 shado, Oct 31, 2011
    For the record i have used the jack oil imethod in my spyder for years (8 IIRC). Read about it on here many years ago. My roof has ever let me down once.
     
  16. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    #16 yelcab, Oct 31, 2011
    I am not a seamstress so how do I change the elastic?
     
  17. shado

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    #17 shado, Oct 31, 2011
    Mate even though i have replaced the elastic and small return springs ect when i replaced my roof material when i first bought my car.
    I think your question should have been directed to Gus355, it was he who mentioned this in the thread.
     
  18. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
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    #18 ClydeM, Oct 31, 2011
    Thank you. I'll look for it

    I checked tonight. The elastic seems fine & doesn't show signs of stress.

    Thank you. It's PepBoys tomorrow night

    Thanks. I need to visit an MB dealer this week.
     
  19. eyboro

    eyboro Formula Junior
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    #19 eyboro, Oct 31, 2011
    If the hydraulic oil is full, don't mess around with flashing the system, you just need to bleed the system. It's very simple you take a flat screw driver and bleed the system. The bleeding screw is located by the emergency switch.
     
  20. gus355

    gus355 Formula Junior

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    #20 gus355, Nov 1, 2011
    You can buy thelastic from any fabric/crafts store, it is the same stuff that goes inside waistbands of pants etc.

    Very little sewing is required, you could do it with simple needle and thread (please use T135 or so upholstery thread)
     
  21. Labman

    Labman F1 Rookie
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    #21 Labman, Nov 7, 2011
    Just did mine Ridiculously easy. Bought elastic at a fabric store. Only thing extra I did was double up the elastic so it is nice and tight when the top is in the closed position. Now when I open the top the bar goes back on its own. Finally.
     
  22. WATSON

    WATSON Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #22 WATSON, Nov 7, 2011
    No pictures??? :)
     
  23. gus355

    gus355 Formula Junior

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    #23 gus355, Nov 8, 2011
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2011
    Like Labman says "Ridiculously easy" - no real need for pics, just dooo it!



    http://youtu.be/u6ALySsPXt0
     

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