Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder: Service and Repair

Folding Top Latch Hydraulic Cylinder Replacement - Front

Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Eye Protection Caution in Service Precautions.

1. Manually open the folding top so that the folding top panel is resting unlatched on the windshield header. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation.
2. Place a protective covering over the interior and the adjacent body panels.
3. Remove the headliner.




4. Remove the C-clip (4) from the latch actuator shaft.
5. Remove the spring-clip (3) from the cylinder retainer cover.
6. Remove the cylinder retainer cover (2). Pull the retainer cover down off the mounting pin and slide the cover forward.
7. Remove the cylinder and actuator arm (1) from the latch.

Disassembly Procedure






Important: Once the cylinder hose or the port plug has been removed, do NOT move the cylinder rod. This will cause fluid to squirt out of the ports.

1. Ensure that the ignition switch is in the OFF position and that the folding top has not been operated under power for at least 6 minutes.
2. Remove the reservoir filler plug (1)






Important: Remove the 2 hose connections one at a time. This procedure is repeated later for the second hose.

3. Using a small flat-bladed tool, release the retainer clip (1) from one of the cylinder hoses.






Important: Before disconnecting the cylinder hoses, have the replacement cylinder ready.

4. Remove the cylinder hose retainer clip (1).




5. Remove the cylinder hose (1). Use a clean shop towel to control any hydraulic fluid leakage.




6. Remove the cylinder hose O-ring (1).

Important: Replacement cylinders are filled with fluid. Do NOT remove the port plug from the cylinder until you are ready to connect the cylinder hose.

7. Using a small flat-bladed tool, release one of the port plug retainer clips from the replacement cylinder.
8. Remove the retainer clips from the replacement cylinder.
9. Remove the port plug from the replacement cylinder.
10. Remove the port plug O-ring from the replacement cylinder.

Assembly Procedure




1. Install a new O-ring (1) onto the cylinder hose (2).
2. Install the hose (2) into the cylinder port (3). Press down on the hose until the hose is fully seated in the cylinder.




3. Install anew cylinder hose retainer clip (1). Inspect the retainer clip to ensure that the clip is fully seated around the hose (2).
4. Repeat this procedure for the other hose.




5. Install the reservoir filler plug (1).

Installation Procedure




1. Install the cylinder and actuator arm (1) to the latch.
2. Install the cylinder retainer cover (2).
3. Install the spring-clip (3) to the cylinder retainer cover.
4. Install the C-clip (4) to the latch actuator shaft.
5. Manually close the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation.
6. Bleed the hydraulic system. Refer to Folding Top Hydraulic System Bleeding Procedure.
7. Inspect the hydraulic system for fluid leaks.
8. Inspect the fluid level of the hydraulic system and add fluid as needed.
9. Remove the protective covering.
10. Inspect the folding top for proper operation.
11. Install the headliner.