Bleeding the Hydraulic System

Bleeding the hydraulic system

Note: To avoid possible damage to paintwork or upholstery, the hydraulic system must be bled off the car.

1. Remove the hydraulic system from the car. Hydraulic System, Removal/Fitting




2. Place the pump on the workbench and the cylinders inside a tray on the floor.




3. Fill the fluid reservoir, leaving the plug off.
Use special hydraulic fluid, part no. (45) 3018694.




4. Disconnect one of the hoses from one of the cylinders. Allow the fluid to run out until the hose is full. Reconnect the hose to the cylinder.
Repeat the procedure for the other hoses, topping up the reservoir as necessary.




5. Connect a power supply to the pump and run it to bring the pistons to their end of travel (BDC or TDC).
Keep the reservoir topped up with fluid to ensure that the fluid never reaches the minimum level.
6. Repeat step 4.
7. Run the pistons to the opposing end of travel.
8. Repeat step 4.
9. Repeat the procedure until the system has been properly bled.
A small amount of air in the system will not affect operation of the top.




10. Check the level in the reservoir and top up as necessary. Fit the plug.




11. Retorque all hose fittings that have been disconnected. Tightening torque: 3.8 - 4.5 Nm (5.1 - 8.2 ft lb).
12. Wipe Glean the hoses and hose fittings. Operate the pistons a number of times and check that there are no leaks.




13. Return the pistons to the fully retracted position.
14. Reinstall the hydraulic system in the car. Hydraulic System, Removal/Fitting