Whats up guys, my car has over 106k miles and my top motor is starting to show it. It goes up and down, just really slow. Now when I had my top replaced the guy said it was just low and fliud. Anyone know what kind of fliud is needed? I've heard PS fluid. Also, anyone know how to access the motor? Whats involved in pulling out the back seat? Thanks.
Vert top motor...
- Thread starter DaveB
- Start date
You can get bushings for it too rather than buying a new motor. That's what my friend did.
To get the back seats out just press in the two buttons under the back seat between the seat and metal frame and they pop right out. Then unbolt the two bolts (8mm?) holding the backrest in and pull it out pretty sure. Motor is right behind.
To get the back seats out just press in the two buttons under the back seat between the seat and metal frame and they pop right out. Then unbolt the two bolts (8mm?) holding the backrest in and pull it out pretty sure. Motor is right behind.
Stanger007
Founding Member
I used brake fluid on my '90. Here's the process I used...
If you take the lining out of the trunk OR remove the rear seat you can get to the motor. Either way it's a messy ordeal. I think taking the seat out is easier.
There's a rubber plug in the motor resivor - take it out and position it so that it is at the highest point and all the air can run to it. Using a small funnel pour some fluid in that small hole. (put a rag underneath because some will spill) Plug the hole and then raise and lower your top a few times and repeat.
Good luck.
EDIT: If the motor is getting worn out, alternator shops can usually rebuild them or you can get a good price on a used/rebuilt one from eBay.
If you take the lining out of the trunk OR remove the rear seat you can get to the motor. Either way it's a messy ordeal. I think taking the seat out is easier.
There's a rubber plug in the motor resivor - take it out and position it so that it is at the highest point and all the air can run to it. Using a small funnel pour some fluid in that small hole. (put a rag underneath because some will spill) Plug the hole and then raise and lower your top a few times and repeat.
Good luck.
EDIT: If the motor is getting worn out, alternator shops can usually rebuild them or you can get a good price on a used/rebuilt one from eBay.
mo_dingo
20+ Year Stangneter 
The fluid is PS fluid which is ATF. That is what is labeled on the pump.
If you are low on fluid, you have a leak. Check both cylinders for leaks. You should have some sticky areas on one side, or both.
Scott
If you are low on fluid, you have a leak. Check both cylinders for leaks. You should have some sticky areas on one side, or both.
Scott
donjohn
New Member
SOOO stanger007 is saying that even if there are no leaks, adding ATF fluid would make it go faster? but modingo is saying that it's not gonna matter unless there's a leak..
so what's it gonna be...
so what's it gonna be...
4000 Pounds of Iron
Founding Member
Stanger007
Founding Member
Heh I've done the manual top thing too. It sure is nice to have a button. 
My top was *noticably* faster raising and lowering when i refilled it. Could not find any leaks either - perhaps it was just low from the get-go.
My performance improvement probably came from airbubbles trapped in the system - I believe the previous owner had replaced a hydraulic cylinder - might not have bled the system?
My top was *noticably* faster raising and lowering when i refilled it. Could not find any leaks either - perhaps it was just low from the get-go.
My performance improvement probably came from airbubbles trapped in the system - I believe the previous owner had replaced a hydraulic cylinder - might not have bled the system?
mo_dingo
20+ Year Stangneter
If you have a slow leak, then when you fill the pump, cycle the motor 6 times, then top it off (<~~~bleeding the system), it will run much faster.
But once the fluid leaks more, it will slow down until you get yourself back to where you were, which will likely happen after 20 cycles of the top or so, depending on the size of the leak.
Scott
But once the fluid leaks more, it will slow down until you get yourself back to where you were, which will likely happen after 20 cycles of the top or so, depending on the size of the leak.
Scott
