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YOUR RESEARCHCab hydraulic ram seals
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Use o-rings and they did the job
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I used O-rings and they did the job but "cup seals" are the proper part and what they're replacing.
Leading evidence: 'Use o-rings and they did the job' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Recommend drilling the cylinder' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Suggestion · Original poster
1) Some posts have recommended drilling the cylinder.
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Suggestion
Amazon.com: Hydraulic Cylinder Roof Repair Kit Compatible With 1999-2012 Porsche Carrera 911 (996/997) : Automotive
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Suggestion
Great info now how about a walkthrough of how to remove the rams and replace the o-ring seals and reinstall to working order.
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Another forum member reached out in a pm about these replacement seals. Thought I'd share it with the whole forum, just in case anyone wanted to try this repair out.
They are not the defective oem quad face poly seals, just regular o-rings that seem to have worked well for me, for 2+ years now after probably hundreds of open/close top.
Here is a pic of the kit I got off eBay, not sure if the seller is still active as my link to his sale page is down...
Here are the measurements I got. Keep in mind rubber is hard to measure exactly so when you're trying to match them up might have to round up/down the measurements slightly to something close, thats normal size in stock. As I'm not sure of the normal common sizes stocked at stores. The fit is snug on shaft and cylinder, but don't believe a few thousands either way will make much difference.
These are buna-n type orings iirr, but any oil/hydraulic fluid resistant type should be fine.
Great info now how about a walkthrough of how to remove the rams and replace the o-ring seals and reinstall to working order. Mine just started leaking :-(
Hey John, thanks of the measurements on the O-ring. Looking to do mine this week, have you started on yours? Lots of info on here, what's your strategy?
Glenn
No have not started on this one yet, car is the stepson car, I keep it here, but he lives in San Francisco and parking there is a premium to keep two cars there, he want to learn how to work on the Porsche under my watch. so hopefully before summer comes.
There is a great U-tube on removal and install of the cylinders. if i find it again I'll post it.
@JohnCA58
, have you done this yet? Did the o-rings you bought work? I'm in Australia, so I'm hoping to pick these up locally as the postage from the US is double the cost of the o-rings themselves!
No, either of us have not had time to do the job yet, I have been laid up for some time now with a fracture hip and recovery time, the son has been so busy training for 100-mile marathon, we probably won't get to it till next spring, check out this post.
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Rebuild hydraulic cylinders 996 convertible - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
No problem. Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I was just hoping to learn if the o-rings fitted properly. The sets on eBay work out to about $85.00 AUD landed here in Australia, which I think is rather excessive for 4 o-rings. If the size you have is correct, I believe I can pick them up for a few dollars locally.
I suggest you go to
Parker Hannifin in Australia, they have the O-ring you'll need for this job. and cost will be less than 10 US dollars, back when i was training instructors for Cummins, had to send techs there for replacement O-ring.
Well, as long as this old thread is back on top I'll add a few tips on ram rebuild. Just rebuilt another set of rams, thought I'd share a few things some have had problems with..
1) Some posts have recommended drilling the cylinder. No need to drill the cyl in order to get the c clip out. All that needs to be done is push down on the white plastic gland slightly lowering it in the cylinder, then the clip will easily come out.
2) Make sure to use a file or sandpaper if the area above the c clip got bunged up when removing the c clip.. Smooth out any burrs or protruding areas. This will make removing the white plastic gland easy. All it takes is a little burr on that c clip groove to make removing the gland very difficult. Don't worry, Any 'damage' above the c clip will not affect the operation of the rams.
3) The old polyethylene flat quad face seal that comes oem on the rams can easily be removed by squeezing it to lift up a section of the seal off the shaft and snip it with a pair of dikes.
4) Going on 4 years now that my 996 got eBay orings installed. still working perfectly....
Good luck on your $15 oring 996 ram rebuilds, it save thousands on new or hundreds on a professional rebuild...
eBay oring kit
I just did this job and this thread was very helpful, thanks. I would just add:
Someone had mentioned doing just the leaking side, don't. All my seals came apart in pieces with my fingernails.
I used O-rings and they did the job but "cup seals" are the proper part and what they're replacing. The size is: 18x26x5 (mm) - see pic.
I couldn't get the ring-clip out without drilling the 1/8" hole. Use a drill press to prevent slipping.
I just seen this on Amazon for a Cab hyd cyl seal kit.
Amazon.com: Hydraulic Cylinder Roof Repair Kit Compatible With 1999-2012 Porsche Carrera 911 (996/997) : Automotive
Amazon.com: Hydraulic Cylinder Roof Repair Kit Compatible With 1999-2012 Porsche Carrera 911 (996/997) : Automotive
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
