996 Shop for Work on Convertible Tops

Hi, I visited a few shops that work on Porsches in the LA (valley area, TLG auto and others), but sadly they all told me they don't work on fixing convertible tops.. Does anyone know of a Porsche place (other than the dealer) that can fix my 2002 996 convertible top? It started getting slow to open, very slow, then I heard a sound like something broke, then it wouldn't open or close, I had to push it manually to get it in place. Thank you!

Did you check the hydraulic fluid? This is the most common point of failure. You can check and refill the reservoir in like 15 minutes.

An auto upholstery shop that works with Porsches may be able to fix it. They routinely remove, replace, and recalibrate tops. Worth a shot.

Thank you so much! Both, great ideas. The reservoir was nearly empty, and it's working again, saved me literally hundreds of dollars. I just bought the CHF 11s fluid for $32. One local shop quoted me at $195 just to diagnose it and that it may cost as high as $3,200 to fix.

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Hydraulic fluid doesn't evaporate. You have a leak, most likely leaking cylinders. If you're even halfway handy you can remove your cylinders, send them off to Cabriolet Hydraulics in Sarasota and they'll rebuild them and send them back. It's about $500 all in between shipping and rebuild. I did mine after buying the car with the top in a unknown condition. I did not have to have anything recalibrated and by the sounds of how yours is working, you wouldn't either.

Good to know, thank you FLT SIXX, I may have to do that. Thanks for the great resource, I wouldn't know where to go for this.

Well, I spoke too soon! The convertible top worked beautifully for 2 days. Now it doesn't work, the reservoir is empty and there is a big puddle of fluid by the rear driver wheel. Doesn't look good, right? What would you do in this case?

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It's just a matter of time for the O-rings to fail (not yet for mine). This ebay seller has the specific size replacements and seems to have sold quite a few. Since you'd have to take the cylinders out anyway I don't think it's that hard to DIY. https://www.ebay.com/itm/28432444355...4AAOSwo6lWNnyk

Oh Wow, nice! Yes, I am a very good DIYer, especially if given instructions. I'm going to get this. Thank you!

I got my O rings to rebuild my cylinders, I also took the cylinders out without a problem. I got 4 O rings with the kit. Does this mean the cylinders need 2 O rings each, one on each end? Or is it once side only that tends to leak? I appreciate your help all.

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If you've gone to the trouble of taking them out and are tearing them down - rebuild each of them completely. I did not go the DIY kit route so I can't speak to the company you used but I'm surprised they didn't include any instructions or online video links to a few tips. I have never rebuilt a hydraulic cylinder myself.

I did all of them, both cylinders, 4 O rings. It worked out well, but that retaining ring is a major pain to remove.. Let's see how long they last.

My top was also having slow leak and operation issues. I ended up getting advice here on RL that I should check those rams, feel down there by the fender where the rams are located, to see if fluid was there. There was a small amount. The other side looked dry, but the advice here was to do both. I elected to purchase already rebuilt rams, through a service, and swapped them out. The rams replacement solved my issue.