360 spider replacing front latching (main) cylinder | FerrariChat

360 spider replacing front latching (main) cylinder

Discussion in '360/430' started by wwtxferrari, Feb 11, 2016.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. wwtxferrari

    wwtxferrari Rookie

    Sep 22, 2015
    13
    The cylinder in the front of the top that latches the roof is leaking and needs to be replaced. I have accessed and removed the cylinder but getting to the hydraulic lines between the cylinder and pump/control unit that run along the passenger side of the roof is not so simple - and it is not obvious what should be removed to access these hydraulic lines. I was hoping someone might have some experience or pointers as to how to get to the hydraulic lines so that I replace the cylinder (there is no disconnect at the cylinder - only at the pump).
    Thanks
     
  2. Stout

    Stout Formula Junior

    May 9, 2013
    259
    Helotes, TX
    Full Name:
    Victor
    FerrariSteve has a spare top in his shop that were looking at. The way the hydraulic lines are routed and taped together, right above the pump, makes removal almost impossible without complete dis-assembly. The body colored panel behind your shoulders needs to be removed but, as far as I can tell, is only removable with the top out of the car. So I'm pulling the entire top out of the car and doing all of the hydraulic pistons.
     
  3. wwtxferrari

    wwtxferrari Rookie

    Sep 22, 2015
    13
    The frustrating part is that if Ferrari had just put in a disconnect at the cylinder, like they did on some of the other cylinders, this would have been a pretty simple task.
    I disconnected the 4 lines to the center and right hand cylinders from the control unit and unbundled the group. I was then able pull the two individual lines through to remove the cylinder (connected strings to the lines when pulling them through to assist in being able to put them back in). I just sent the cylinder off to be rebuilt, so it will a little while before I know how much of a challenge it will be to reinstall the lines with proper routing and wrapping.
     
  4. Stout

    Stout Formula Junior

    May 9, 2013
    259
    Helotes, TX
    Full Name:
    Victor
    I really didn't think you could get the tape to unbundle the lines. But I'm going to do the rollover valves anyway.
     
  5. wwtxferrari

    wwtxferrari Rookie

    Sep 22, 2015
    13
    That makes sense if you are doing the rollover valves.
    Removing the entire roof was probably more than I wanted to attempt. I was able to remove the rubber piece where the roof sits on the tonneau/rear deck that exposes two small screws that allowed me to lift off the rear lower cloth portion of the roof to gain some access, but I suspect getting the lines back in under the plastic routing shield will take some time.
     
  6. wwtxferrari

    wwtxferrari Rookie

    Sep 22, 2015
    13
    I received the rebuilt part no 66454700 from TopHydraulics in Oregon, and I was pleased with their service and value. They put in a disconnect at the cylinder, which is nice. The installation of the lines took some time but everything now works as it should with no more leaking.
     
  7. stephaan

    stephaan Rookie

    Aug 24, 2010
    13
    Belgium & Malaysia
    the top cylinder on my 2002 spider started leaking suddenly. I went through your comments which are very usefull, thank you !
    a couple of questions : can the cylinder be serviced (i.e. putting in new seals ) whilst loose from the chassis rail but still in the car & connected to the hydraulic lines?
    How long did it take you /how difficult on the scale1 to 10 to re-install the hydraulic lines?
    thnx
     
  8. stephaan

    stephaan Rookie

    Aug 24, 2010
    13
    Belgium & Malaysia
    Finally decided to remove the cylinder by cutting the 2 lines, accordingly to the instructions by Top Hydraulics. They serviced this leaking front latch cylinder and returnedit fitted with the 2 connection parst. Was very easy to re-install!
    Felt very lucky I decided to cut the 2 lines instead of pulling them out . Saved hours of work !!
     
    EastMemphis likes this.
  9. 360fly

    360fly Rookie

    Sep 4, 2015
    6
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    Does anyone know of a post where there are details on removing the cylinders? panel removal, etc. thanks
     

Share This Page