My 2008 C4S cabriolet’s roof works perfectly but squeaks a little on the way down. Are there recommendations about where to oil this?

 

Give this thread a read--it's a great resource for maintaining the top mechanism. I purchased all the various lubricants a few months ago, and plan to follow this guide when I replace my headliner this winter:

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...tible-top.html

That said, squeaking on the way down may be an indicator of the seals in the hydraulic rams starting to fail. Keep an eye by the rear wheels for any signs of oil on the floor, or the top slowing down when closing. If you see either, it's probably time for a rebuild or replacement of the rams.

 

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it.

 

That's exactly correct. Happened to me just before top's rams went bad. After they start to squeaking you will notice that every time the mechanism is operated is louder and slower, until you will need to help it to close. Oil in the floor confirmed that, Better to fix it now, as the hydraulic pump will be overtaxed due to lack of enough oil, and you will risk to damage it (about 2000$ just for the part cost). Each ram runs between 900$ and 1.8K, but there are a couple of really good firms that will rebuilt them even better than new. There are some "you tubers" that self call specialist and offer to rebuilt those too (sending the ram cores), but I really don't recommend that route as they're no seem professional. There is a couple of very good professional shops specialized only in fixing and rebuilding cabriolet top mechanisms. I choose CABRIOLET HYDRAULICS in FL. Super job done. You need to remove the rams and send to them. They will evaluate if those can be rebuilt. or for a faster expedite you can choose to exchange them for others, already rebuilt. Total time to send a receive the rebuilt parts was 10 days. You will get new copper seals, a bottle of oil, and the rams prefilled, and a set of instructions. Took a little effort removing and reinstalling those rams (set everything correct and replace the hydraulic oil in the pump), but my top now runs flawlessly and a lot faster without any squaking. The re-built of the rams looked really well done and high quality and very strong hose flange connectors and seals. The best of all? It comes with a warranty of 3 years for fixing and replacement. Total cost was less than 600$ for both rams (including expedite shipping and insurance). Not too bad for a quoted price of plus 5K at the dealer!
There is another trusted shop with excellent reviews that also do the rebuilt, but I don't recall exactly where is located.
Hope it will help!
Then just keep "Top down - engine's sound up!"
Cheers!
FlatSixS

 

I second Cabriolet Hydraulics for cylinder rebuilds. They rebuild them better than new at a very reasonable price. They also now recondition the pumps. I’m considering having mine done over the winter as a preventative item.

 

Did you need to replace the pump as well. My dealer just told me the RAMs are leaking and the pump also needs to be replaced!

Tom

 

No, i did not. I changed the whole oil in it as it was very dark and with impurities (apparently degraded from the ram’s original seals). Although after replacing the rams, the pump initially got noisy during those initials activations (maybe the first 10 times up and down), due to air in the system requiringr several times refilling the pump, but after a few times as was refilled and it got smooth and operated very quiet. I consulted with my Indy here and he told me I was lucky as the pump operated fine.

 

Thanks! I wonder if they could do an exchange for me if I drove my car there and left it for a few days? Do you know if they work on cars that local people bring in? I'll call Monday and thanks for the info and thanks to the OP as well! I forgot about this place.

Tom

 

Looking at its webpage, I believe that yes, they can do the whole job, but you need to contact them to be sure. I crossed emails with Jason Hodges, and he provided me superb customer service and promptly answers. Great experience from start to finish. They specialize mainly in European brands for cabriolet tops. Here is a link to the page:
Cabriolet Hydraulics (997)

 

Can anyone share experiences removing the rams for rebuild?

I pulled into the garage the other day in one of my other cars and noticed the tell-tale puddle of fluid just in front of the RR tire. Sure enough, hydraulic oil. I had just in the last few weeks noticed a little bit of extra noise in the top operation in like the last 3-4 times I raised it and feared the problem was about to hit me.

I've reviewed the removal instructions but the job scares the crap out of me. Curious how it went for others.

TIA

 

Just had to do this job!! Like you suggest, the top was slowing down and squeaking when closing!