What's the easiest way to change out your vert top fluid?
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From: Huntersville, NC near Charlotte
What's the easiest way to change out your vert top fluid? I hear the mineral oil is better so I'm thinking about switching to it just wanna know what the easiest way to get all the stock stuff out.
Last edited by fastmatt98; Sep 6, 2009 at 11:18 PM.
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From: I'm on a boat! in Shreveport, La
I remember reading something about Mineral Oil being better because it doesn't gunk up the hydraulics like the industrial fluid that auto part stores sell.
OP, there's really no need to change it, but you have to vacuum it because there's no drain plug if you do. Most systems leak slowly over time so you'll have to continually add new fluid.
OP, there's really no need to change it, but you have to vacuum it because there's no drain plug if you do. Most systems leak slowly over time so you'll have to continually add new fluid.
You are correct, GM, at least some dealerships did at one time, recommended mineral oil. However the only official GM notice I've been able to find posted says:
I still use mineral oil w/ no problems.
Probably the best way to drain it would be do disconnect one of the pressure-side lines, connect a temporary line and pump-out all the old stuff into a container. Then manually cycle the top up and down to push most of the old oil out of the cylinders. Then reconnect the lines, refill w/ the new stuff, cycle and add fluid until all air is purged and fluid level is proper. Even then, I wouldn't expect you would be able to get 100% of the old stuff out unless you removed the cylinders and fluid lines and puged them all individually.
If anyone has a copy of the GM notice recommending mineral oil, I'd like to see it.
Subject: Service VME - Convertible Top Hydraulic Fluid #PI00386 - (08/14/2002)
Models: .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.
SERVICE VME
This is a service VME to all Chevrolet and Pontiac dealerships regarding 1994 through 2002 Camaro and Firebird convertible top hydraulic fluid. This is Art Spong, Brand Quality Manager for the F-cars. The service manual and ESI incorrectly advise to use DEXRON® III automatic transmission fluid for the hydraulic fluid in the convertible top system. The proper fluid is a ten-weight SAE oil. A bulletin will be issued and ESI will also be corrected. Thanks
Models: .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.
SERVICE VME
This is a service VME to all Chevrolet and Pontiac dealerships regarding 1994 through 2002 Camaro and Firebird convertible top hydraulic fluid. This is Art Spong, Brand Quality Manager for the F-cars. The service manual and ESI incorrectly advise to use DEXRON® III automatic transmission fluid for the hydraulic fluid in the convertible top system. The proper fluid is a ten-weight SAE oil. A bulletin will be issued and ESI will also be corrected. Thanks
Probably the best way to drain it would be do disconnect one of the pressure-side lines, connect a temporary line and pump-out all the old stuff into a container. Then manually cycle the top up and down to push most of the old oil out of the cylinders. Then reconnect the lines, refill w/ the new stuff, cycle and add fluid until all air is purged and fluid level is proper. Even then, I wouldn't expect you would be able to get 100% of the old stuff out unless you removed the cylinders and fluid lines and puged them all individually.
If anyone has a copy of the GM notice recommending mineral oil, I'd like to see it.
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From: I'm on a boat! in Shreveport, La
Hit up walmart or the dollar store, pick up a couple bottles for 5 bucks, and you're set.
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Thanks. Last question, so I can mix mineral oil in with whatever that's in my convertible pumps now? I assume it's filled with what came stock on my car.
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From: I'm on a boat! in Shreveport, La
Well I have mixed it before, but I don't know how that may affect it.
Most casual owners would not even think about if it was hydraulic or electric in the first place, so based on the condition of your car when you bought it you should have a good idea of what's in there now.
Most casual owners would not even think about if it was hydraulic or electric in the first place, so based on the condition of your car when you bought it you should have a good idea of what's in there now.
Eh, baby oil is alot thinner than mineral oil. I found mineral oil in the "Pharmacy" section, it's with the laxatives. Pretty cheap. I believe it'll mix just fine w/ whatever is in there now.
