hydraulic top leak in 05 F430 spider

Had secondary cylinder issues .. they are addressed but only advice is use the top often so the fluid stays circulating in the system

 

Replacing that cylinder is a total pain as the hydraulic lines are not removable from the cylinder. So you have to pull the lines all the way back to the pump. I'm pretty sure that requires the removal of the complete top from the car. Or you can purchase the hydraulic line couplers from Cabriolet Hydraulics and just cut the new lines and reattach them to the existing lines. I sent that cylinder to them and they actually modified the cylinder to allow removal of the lines just like the two folding cylinders on the top. I've been very happy with their work.

I put the top down on my car almost every time I drive it and the seals still failed. I took one apart and the seal just split, making it leak. Just inferior seal material. Nothing will save it.

 

You can replace the cylinder WITHOUT removing the lines, then get it rebuilt and reinstalled. Installing isn't bad. Here's my video on how to do it:

 

Ugh....it's my turn to go down this road. Noticed a greasy imprint on my rear plastic window after I raise my top. Thought it might have been some leftover cleaning solution or something at first, but noticed again well after a wash. Put my finger behind the front cover to confirm more oily residue behind that. Damn thing could have at least waited for colder weather

Might as well do them all and get it sorted for good. I debated doing this when I replaced my top but they all looked good at the time. I guess we all know what they say about hindsight.

 

Yeah, it's not a bad job... And like I said in my video, I highly recommend cabriolethydraulics.com/ . I'm still yet to do the sides, but I will one of these days because it's only a matter of time that it's a problem.

 

Yup, have them and Top Hydraulics saved in my favorites: https://www.tophydraulics.com/84-ferrari-430-f430-spider

Wondering what the price differences are.

 

I went with Cabrio because I liked their neat little hose splitter/coupler solution. Made removal of the center hydraulic much easier than having to carefully drill out the lines. But pricing I think they were similar.

 

I replaced mine a few months back, went the Cabriolet Hydraulics route. About a four day turnaround including shipping.
Unfortunately the prior owner kicked the can on getting it fixed, the fabric is damaged...my detailer was able to get it about 80 percent, but it needs to be replaced.

Only "issue" I ran into was with tightening the two screws (#14 in workshop manual) that holds the cylinder. Guide says 17Nm, but I couldn't hit that before the bracket (#15) started bending. Rather than risk stripping out the threads and opening up a can of s*** (not enough material for a timesert/helicoil), used Loctite 243 and make sure it was secure.

https://cabriolethydraulics.com/vario-roof-front-latch-cylinder-fix/

 

I'd recommend doing the locking ram and then take a close look at the secondary cylinders (shoulder height, one on each side, in the top). To check, raise the top so that the bottom of the capote tub can be examined and look for a puddle of hydraulic fluid there. It runs down the back of the frame from the secondary cylinders. You can also just put your finger behind the cylinder where the ram comes out and look for the telltale signs of leakage.

These two are the easiest to replace of all the cylinders because the lines are removable.

The others are far more robust than these dinky ones in the capote top. I wouldn't touch them until they have problems.

Not scary. The capote is a great piece of engineering. I just did an analysis of the Kinematics (the lid hinge) and it's a beautiful bit of work.

 

Oh, trust me. After doing my own top last year I've gain appreciation for the mechanism. I guess the question is, are all of the cylinders even removable without removing the top again, at least halfway back.

 

The big ones (2) at the bottom may be impossible to get to without removing the entire capote. The ones that power the capote lid (2) look accessible after removing the side panels. The ones in the capote top (3, 1 locking and 2 secondary), are pretty straight forward especially if the "cut-the-line" method is used.

I did my secondary cylinders through "Top Hydraulics". The owner has a 360 Spider if that means anything. I think the prices are the same or close to it at all the folks who rebuild them. If you're brave and know something about hydraulics, you can rebuild them yourself for nothing. I opted to let an expert do it.

 

Thanks for sharing Carsten.
Mine is not leaking but I will remove mine and take it to Florida while I'm there during the winter months.
Like you said, they're old and mine is close to 20 years old

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