Roof Pump - Prepare me for the worst.

[Matty_Z4]

It seems I fix one thing on this Zed and another breaks I had the roof down last week and when I got home the buttons wouldn't raise it. The latches unlocked and the roof motor whirred but no movement from the roof.
I checked the red release cable (I had never touched it until this point not even looked to see where it was before) and it felt a bit loose so, I did the pull it turn it 90 degrees for manual mode then reset it back to home. There feels to be about 5-10mm of play in the cable not sure if this is normal.

As the motor makes a noise I think the issue is related to the hydraulic pump, either the bypass ball is stuck for some reason or its run out of oil? Leak?

My plan if it doesn't rain today is to pull out the motor and remove the release cable and soak the bypass leaver/ball with GT85 and hopefully free it up. I have some hydraulic oil on the way (If Amazon ever deliver) so if it needs a top up then I can do that.

Im 90% about moving the motor into the boot like everyone else does, will see how troublesome this is once the motor is out of its bucket

I was going to do it the weekend just gone but any excuse not to start a PITA job (it rained) Im going to have to just get on and do it. Any tips?

[enuff_zed]

Worst case you’re going to need a new pump. Let us know if the bypass doesn’t fix it.
Once we know where you’ve got to we can run through the options and things to look out for

[Matty_Z4]

Thanks enuff_zed currently curled up in the boot fighting with the motor.

Following these guides on removing the motor. Got to the step where you have to pull off to top cap. Is it just a matter of getting a pry bar in there and brute force? I’ve peeled off the tape holding the two halves together. Just can’t seem to get a bar in the right place for the lid to “pop off”



https://zroadster.org/threads/z4-roof-m ... oot.19256/

[enuff_zed]

Thanks enuff_zed currently curled up in the boot fighting with the motor.

Following these guides on removing the motor. Got to the step where you have to pull off to top cap. Is it just a matter of getting a pry bar in there and brute force? I’ve peeled off the tape holding the two halves together. Just can’t seem to get a bar in the right place for the lid to “pop off”



https://zroadster.org/threads/z4-roof-m ... oot.19256/

Yes it's not pretty.
Be careful that you don't dislodge the hall sensors on the ram.
You may also find the the whole container lifts then jams against the roof frame.
Feel around and make sure you get as many of the pipes unclipped from the container as you can.
If you're only trying to remove the lid rather than get it all out in one, then try getting your fingers round the back of the lid and pulling it forwards. It may slowly peel away from the sealant.

[Matty_Z4]

Thanks enuff_zed currently curled up in the boot fighting with the motor.

Following these guides on removing the motor. Got to the step where you have to pull off to top cap. Is it just a matter of getting a pry bar in there and brute force? I’ve peeled off the tape holding the two halves together. Just can’t seem to get a bar in the right place for the lid to “pop off”



https://zroadster.org/threads/z4-roof-m ... oot.19256/

Yes it's not pretty.
Be careful that you don't dislodge the hall sensors on the ram.
You may also find the the whole container lifts then jams against the roof frame.
Feel around and make sure you get as many of the pipes unclipped from the container as you can.
If you're only trying to remove the lid rather than get it all out in one, then try getting your fingers round the back of the lid and pulling it forwards. It may slowly peel away from the sealant.

Well that was unexpected it seems to be new motor with no water damage..
The brass bypass pin looks nice and clean shiny and moves freely. Winner!

It would appear that my problem is low fluid, I really hope this doesn’t mean a potential leak? Just gotta wait for the Amazon man now! Bet he turns up at 10pm!

[Matty_Z4]

Well that wasn’t fun! Topped up the oil, operated the roof while monitoring the level and it was just drinking it up so figured something was wrong.

Inspect the pipes and hinges and hear a dripping noise in the drivers side bucket. Take a peak and it’s all wet with hydraulic oil and looks pretty nasty down there.

From what I can see it’s either a rusty hinge piston or a rusty hose union. Either or sounds like a royal pain in the bum!

[enuff_zed]

Damn! Most likely to be the 90 degree elbow at the bottom of the ram. Hose number 14.
Now the motor is in the boot it is fairly easy to get most of the pipe removed and a new one routed in.
Fiddly bit is the actual connection at the ram. You need to unbolt the ram and halfway round the roof rear ring, pop the seal out to give a bt of movement and then lift the ram up to get access to the connection.
Whereabouts are you?
Number5, in Bristol, does these in his sleep.
I'm over in Norfolk and have done a couple now.
I think we both carry spares.

[Matty_Z4]

Damn! Most likely to be the 90 degree elbow at the bottom of the ram. Hose number 14.
Now the motor is in the boot it is fairly easy to get most of the pipe removed and a new one routed in.
Fiddly bit is the actual connection at the ram. You need to unbolt the ram and halfway round the roof rear ring, pop the seal out to give a bt of movement and then lift the ram up to get access to the connection.
Whereabouts are you?
Number5, in Bristol, does these in his sleep.
I'm over in Norfolk and have done a couple now.
I think we both carry spares.

Im in the Midlands South Birmingham, Bristol isnt too much of a trek pretty much straight south on the M5.

Do you think its the hose then rather than the hydraulic cylinder?

Will have to get in touch with Number5 and make a mission one weekend. Any idea on going rates for these kind of repairs?

[Number5]

Hi,
Its usually the hose elbow corroded 9/10 and is replacable in about 2 hrs if no complications.

Ill send you a PM with my contact details and we can discuss further.

Alan (Bristol)

[Matty_Z4]

Hi,
Its usually the hose elbow corroded 9/10 and is replacable in about 2 hrs if no complications.

Ill send you a PM with my contact details and we can discuss further.

Alan (Bristol)

Great to meet you today, another top job Thanks.

[enuff_zed]

Hi,
Its usually the hose elbow corroded 9/10 and is replacable in about 2 hrs if no complications.

Ill send you a PM with my contact details and we can discuss further.

Alan (Bristol)

Great to meet you today, another top job Thanks.

And I hear it was the hose corroded?

[Matty_Z4]

Hi,
Its usually the hose elbow corroded 9/10 and is replacable in about 2 hrs if no complications.

Ill send you a PM with my contact details and we can discuss further.

Alan (Bristol)

Great to meet you today, another top job Thanks.

And I hear it was the hose corroded?

News travels fast

It was indeed a small pinhole in the metal bend like you said. Its almost like you guys have done a few of these before

[enuff_zed]

Great to meet you today, another top job Thanks.

And I hear it was the hose corroded?

News travels fast

It was indeed a small pinhole in the metal bend like you said. Its almost like you guys have done a few of these before

I have done nearly 1 for every 10 of Alan's, but I'm getting there. Did my third M today.