997 Cabriolet Hydraulic Cylinder Removal Lessons Learned

[Max_The_Dog]

I finally got around to removing the cylinders for my cabriolet top mechanism. I learned plenty from this forum, so I want to share my own lessons learned.

For anyone interested here is probably the best guide that I found:

https://cabriolethydraulics.com/diy-porsche-carrera-911-hydraulic-ram-inspection-removal-instructions/

I ended up removing the rear speaker panel and that made removal super easy. The speaker panel can be opened with trim tool and a Torx screwdriver. I dropped some parts and I could easily recover them. I've attached a photo that shows the lower bolt.



I had to completely unbolt my pump to get to the banjo bolts. But that made it easy to catch all the hydraulic fluid when I un-bolted them. Make sure you have all the copper seals when you are finished. They are expensive to replace. Sometimes they will stick to the banjo bolt.

I think that is about it. I'll post later when I have the cylinder rebuilt and re-installed. It really wasn't a hard job. Maybe slightly more difficult than changing the oil once you pop open the speak grill for easy access. I wish I had done it months ago.

The pump ready for removal of the banjo bolts.

[Str8Razr]

That's great intel. Thanks!

[matthewb0051]

Please post about the install. I'd like to hear if you didn't have to have the entire roof calibrated after changing the cylinders.