This is one of the old convertible top parts sources and they have a tech section on bleeding the system. http://www.hydroe.com/Tips_-_Cylinders__amp__Pumps.html Notice my screen name, I'm into convertibles. I have a method to do this, it takes two people. By the way the system bleeds itself, fluid goes from the reservoir into the system. Operating the system forces fluid in and air is dumped into the reservoir. Top off the reservoir as needed. My method is this, I get the fill plug from the reservoir/pump. I get a piece of vacuum or fuel line which will fit s-n-u-g-l-y into the fill hole, not too long 12-18". I take a quart of transmission fluid, remove the cap, drill a hole in the cap which will accept the mentioned hose and also give a s-n-u-g fit. Stick the hose into the fluid cap a short distance and screw it back on. Get in the trunk and put the other end into the reservoir. What you are doing is making a remote reservoir. Get your second person in the car to operate the top. Turn the trans fluid bottle upside down and raise it above the pump so fluid can travel into the pump. Have your bud operate the top. As you put the top down and up the quart bottle will crush as fluid fills the pump/system. As the system bleeds the air into the pump the quart bottle will get some relief from it's crushed status. When the system quits making noise lay the quart bottle down below the fill plug hole so any excess fluid will drain back into it, remove the hose from the reservoir and replace the fill plug. Bunches of rags and some plastic sheathing can help with any mess you make, but if the hose fits well there shouldn't be much. Important thing, the system if full when the top is in the DOWN position and the reservoir is full. Trying to get too much fluid in there will result in a trunk full of fluid. If your reservoir plug is rubber and you break it and the big piece is left in the reservoir don't worry about it, it won't hurt a thing, just get another one. Your pump may take a time out on you, they are not designed to go down and up a bunch of times without rest. It will take off again when it cools. Best luck. Mike
And what Mike said works well!I did the exact same thing...not know that this procedure was out there. One word of caution though, don't rest one of your arms on the rear seat back while your buddy is operating the top up and down....those rams are POWERFUL. I had a really bruised arm that almost was broken! While I was in there, we removed the top motor and replaced all the seals. A really easy job, that will prevent your top motor from leaking the fluid all over the interior! :beers2::beers2::beers2:
