Roof Hydraulic Cylinder and Hinge Leak, DIY Rebuild

SailorK said:
Folks. I've been lurking. Wonder if this has gone farther. I just purchased a Z4 with the same top problem that everyone has. I'm on a budget and also trying to figure out the DIY process. Not trying to hijack thread, but: I too found a source for the rod seal. But not the piston seal(s) or o-ring. Anyone find a kit with all 3 or source the proper O-Ring and Piston seals? Or have exact dimensions of the O-Ring and Piston seal(s)? Or has the Chinese link hit ebay? I couldn't get past the signon either. And I don't see anything in aliexpress.
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can you share the source for the rod seal? I also have not been able to source any parts yet.
 
SailorK said:
Folks. I've been lurking. Wonder if this has gone farther. I just purchased a Z4 with the same top problem that everyone has. I'm on a budget and also trying to figure out the DIY process. Not trying to hijack thread, but: I too found a source for the rod seal. But not the piston seal(s) or o-ring. Anyone find a kit with all 3 or source the proper O-Ring and Piston seals? Or have exact dimensions of the O-Ring and Piston seal(s)? Or has the Chinese link hit ebay? I couldn't get past the signon either. And I don't see anything in aliexpress.
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I will soon create a link
 
SailorK said:
Folks. I've been lurking. Wonder if this has gone farther. I just purchased a Z4 with the same top problem that everyone has. I'm on a budget and also trying to figure out the DIY process. Not trying to hijack thread, but: I too found a source for the rod seal. But not the piston seal(s) or o-ring. Anyone find a kit with all 3 or source the proper O-Ring and Piston seals? Or have exact dimensions of the O-Ring and Piston seal(s)? Or has the Chinese link hit ebay? I couldn't get past the signon either. And I don't see anything in aliexpress.
Click to expand...
Guys, I can't create ebay soon enough. If you are interested please send PM or email to me [email protected], I can do the deal using paypal. The kit will included 2 new CNC aluminum bottom plug, bolts to secure the top and bottom aluminum plug, all the seal and O ring needed.
*Note that I removed the price as the shopping fee varies
 

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nexcorp said:
Rod seems to have an even thickness flange on the end. It does not look like it is threaded?
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after further checking, it is not threaded. that end needs to be grind off to remove the piston. to install back, drill a hole to insert new bolt to secure the piston. The bolt is included in the kit.
 
SailorK said:
Folks. I've been lurking. Wonder if this has gone farther. I just purchased a Z4 with the same top problem that everyone has. I'm on a budget and also trying to figure out the DIY process. Not trying to hijack thread, but: I too found a source for the rod seal. But not the piston seal(s) or o-ring. Anyone find a kit with all 3 or source the proper O-Ring and Piston seals? Or have exact dimensions of the O-Ring and Piston seal(s)? Or has the Chinese link hit ebay? I couldn't get past the signon either. And I don't see anything in aliexpress.
Click to expand...
@SailorK I was able to source the kit. User @ivanchen1211 was able to help me. However, this is not a simple DYI. Unless you have access to a workshop with proper tools I would advise to stay way from DIYing this. I drilled the holes to release the bottom and top plug but I cannot get the rod and plugs out of the cylinder. You need a press for that. I am currently stuck in the process because I cannot get any local shop to push the rod out for me. They simply tell me they don't have a press (BS, this is liability crap)
hinges.jpeg
 
jats2k9 said:
@SailorK I was able to source the kit. User @ivanchen1211 was able to help me. However, this is not a simple DYI. Unless you have access to a workshop with proper tools I would advise to stay way from DIYing this. I drilled the holes to release the bottom and top plug but I cannot get the rod and plugs out of the cylinder. You need a press for that. I am currently stuck in the process because I cannot get any local shop to push the rod out for me. They simply tell me they don't have a press (BS, this is liability crap)
View attachment 287364
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Hi, you can also knock it out if you can't find a presser.

Knock it slowly.
 
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Zaniei4 said:
Any update on this guys. I’m about to start.
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I've rebuild two pairs of the hinges with the repair kit myself, no any issue, I can say it's the only one and best solution for DIY in the market, it will guarantee you not leaking at the rod or bottom plug seal as it uses redesigned CNC plug with higher O ring groove.
PM or email me if you are interested
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I am almost done with my set and created a DIY instruction including material you need. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg from Chinese source.
 
Zaniei4 said:
I am almost done with my set and created a DIY instruction including material you need. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg from Chinese source.
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Nice, the Chinese kit was expensive due to the CNC plug. All the other materials are cheap. Due to my recent experience of rescuing hinges that has been leaking after some other shop tried to rebuild them, the main leak is from the reused CNC plug. Maybe you will be lucky that the plug will last longer for a while, but highly chance they will leak.
From the picture you can see
1. reused CNC plug that leaks
2. someone attempts to cut a second O ring groove but still leaks. Can't hold the pressure.
3. The redesigned CNC plug, the O ring groove is higher, this has 2 benefit, a: it sits at the area the has less chance to be damaged during the removal process b: it will have thicker metal between the O ring and the drilled holed that holds the plug and strong enough to take the pressure without changing from and cause leak.

If you have come out with a new method everyone will be excited!

1.
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2.
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3.
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