E85 softtop motor diagnosis

[Richardlj27]

E85 3.0si top goes down quickly but struggles to come up.I have to stop several times and also pull to reach latch motor and experiencing some hydraulic fluid on the ground

[Smartbear]

Sounds like you have a leak.
Rob

[colb]

Time to pull it out and move it to the boot, if you are seeiing oil loss is it showing up outside the car below the motor drain? First check would be to remove the small access panel in the rear wheel arch and have a look inside the cavity and poke the drain through the rubber valve that is plugged onto the drain outlet. Oil here would confirm you have a leak. The motor and pump need pulling out to check it and the pipes from pump to rams. Have seen a couple of people who have found the pipes split or the ram leaking. If its the latter then roof has to come off to get the ram out. Look on the bright side moving it to the boot will prevent it drowning in the future.

[Sidewaze Samm]

The hose fittings are made of mild steel that, given the propensity for water to collect in the wells due to blocked drain holes, can rust through.
Be careful - if leaking fluid comes out of the drain holes (on either side of the car) which are just in front of each rear wheel...

Hydraulic fluid + turning wheel under load = ditchfinder.

If that's your problem, it's possible to replace with stainless.

[colb]

There seems to be quite a few roof pump/motor problems cropping up at the moment, where can you source the stainless fittings for the pump lines should anyone need to replace theirs?

[Sidewaze Samm]

I know Ducklakeview supplies them, in St Helens.