Hello roadster owners, hope I can help you a with malfunctioning convertible tops
 

Hi folks,

this place seems the best one to introduce myself, as my contributions will be limited to convertible top problems, malfunctions, and repairs. Some forum members have mentioned me (Klaus) or my company (Top Hydraulics, Inc) on this forum, so it's about time that I became active here. I know a lot about the hydraulic system in the 370Z, and hope to share some of that knowledge with you folks. The ultimate goal is to enable most 370Z owners to diagnose and repair their malfunctioning tops. That's a tall order, but it is possible with the help of fellow roadster owners who document their efforts, and I hope there will be lots of contributions, so that we can all create some good DIYs together.

I am a vendor, I don't own a Z, and I have worked only on a couple that folks in my area asked me to check out. We don't normally work on cars, as we are a mail order business - I simply couldn't resist the opportunity to check out the 370Z top system in person when those folks asked for help. I have just signed up for corporate sponsorship of this forum, which allows me to create technical posts with reference to my company's products and services.

The roadster top is activated and latched/unlatched by a hydraulic pump and eight hydraulic cylinders, connected by hydraulic lines (hoses). It is an elegant system, comparable to those in other high end convertibles with automatic tops. We work on the hydraulics of over 30 brands of convertibles, and none of them are bullet proof. The components in the 370Z convertible top hydraulic system can fail, of course, just like they do in any other brand.

The big issue is that Nissan does not sell the components as replacement parts, only the whole system. That's crazy, and it is extremely expensive for roadster owners once there is a problem. Don't feel bad - the same is the case for many other brands. That's where Top Hydraulics comes in: we rebuild cylinders, we manufacture new hydraulic hoses, we rebuild pumps, and we can offer core exchange (we send parts from our inventory first, then you send back your original parts for core credit). This will literally save you thousands of Dollars once you have a hydraulic problem with the top.

The best part is that we make the parts better than brand new ones, because we eliminate the weak spots. No kidding.

The more information is shared on this forum, the better, because the knowledge that malfunctioning convertible tops can be repaired at relatively low cost, will keep the resale value of 370Z roadsters a lot higher than it would be if everyone had to dish out some $10k once the hydraulics spring a leak.

Enough said for an intro, I will start responding to some recent convertible top posts soon. I don't have all the answers when it comes to troubleshooting the tops, but I know the hydraulic part of the system very well, and will do my best to help.

Here are some links to the 370Z section on our website:
Rebuild/Upgrade Service for 2009+ Nissan 350z Convertible Hydraulic Components - Top Hydraulics, Inc
Nissan 370Z Hydraulic Component Locations - Top Hydraulics, Inc

Klaus

klaus@tophydraulicsinc.com
Top Hydraulics | Rebuilt and Upgraded Convertible Top Cylinders, Pumps, Hydraulic Lines - Top Hydraulics, Inc
541-902-3214

http://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/diag...70zdiagram.jpg

Thank you Klaus. I'm sure your input will be greatly appreciated by all the Roadster owners. My only issue thus far is my Top hits during opening. I have adjusted each side as recommended but it still hits. It closes and opens fine otherwise.

Thank you Klaus for becoming active in this group. I have had one scare with the harness wiring but nothing on the hydraulics, yet! It's nice to know that there are alternatives to the extremely over priced NISSAN solutions that I have been reading about. I was seriously considering selling my 2010 Z but with the help of this group and knowing that there are folks like you around, I have decided to continue to enjoy my wheels and spend less time worrying. Good luck with your business and may you be there when we need you! Cheers. :driving:

I don't even have a roadster, but this thread and the OP deserve a rep :tup:

Welcome to the forum, Klaus :tiphat:

He has been helping me with mine! I tucked it away for winter, but will have it back out soon, and anything I do i will be sure to report it here.

Hello Chad, nice to see you coming out of hibernation up in New Brunswick! Hope we can get to the bottom of the electrical issue in your 370Z's roadster top pretty quickly once you are ready to work on it. Next step is checking continuity on the wires going to the travel sensors, if I recall correctly. We probably should continue that discussion on the thread you originally started: http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-r...ing-light.html

Klaus

Nice to see you here, Klaus. Welcome!

As a roadster owner (2014), the thought of something going wrong with my top scares the heck out of me. My warranty expires in a year and I don't see a lot of benefit in extending the warranty just for the top.

It is very reassuring to know that you and your company offers solutions outside of expensive system replacement.

I love my roadster!

I should have it out next week, #1 I bought a new battery to see if that does anything, I will take photos and post them if I can figure out how to put them on here.

Glad you're on this, and hope I don't need your services, but am glad they are available if needed!

Welcome to the site! I agree with everyone above. No problems with my top at the moment, but it is nice to know you are here if one arises! I have been nervous about the thought of having to replace the whole assembly for $10K! If I do run into any issues, I'll be sure to post on the forum. For now, I'm just enjoying the ride!

Klaus,

You da man! I hope we never have to meet but if we do, it sounds like I'll be in good hands with you :)

Thanks for the post

Hi my name is Daryl i have a 2010 that has been giving me the blues. It has been in the shop every year I've owned it. I purchased the car from car-max 09-13. The max care warranty has been good but the Nissan dealership that's been repairing the car hasn't been able to fix it.. I love my car but i hate the the problems with my top!!!!!!!the Tech confessed that they're going to sub the repairs to another shop not a dealer a shop that repairs convertibles tops.... Bad Bad Bad Ideal!!!!!! after replacing the pumps the canvas I'm still left with such disappointment!!!!!

I would think that probably handing off the repairs to a shop that knows what they are doing would be a good solution as long as it is still covered under warranty.

Klaus, do you have any of the trim pieces? On my ZR, the upper part of the rubber trim piece that the side window touches became a little pinched, so it wore through a bit.

Edit: I did a quick search on courtesy parts and it looks like the weatherstrip is part number 76861-1ET0A for the driver side. Does anyone know if this is correct and how easy is this to replace myself? Thanks

Here are some pics. Sorry I guess this isn't technically a top issue, but the part seems specific to our roadsters so if anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

It looks like what you might need for replacement procedures can be found here. Go to page RF-62 to start.
Hope this helps.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/370Z/Coupe/2010/RF.pdf

Thanks, OldGuyFla, this is very helpful!

Hi Klaus

Would you please help me to solve soft top issue ?!
the soft top will open from the back then little bit from the front and when it start moving back it will stop but I can hear the soft top motor trying to pull it back but without any success . If I push it back using my hand it will complete the opening normally , and complete opening I can close it normally after that too.

After many try in same way it may start open without my support then next day it will back to same problem.

I can record a video if needed..

Awaiting your reply which is really appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Husam

I could use some help. sending you a PM

Nissan should have made a simple top like the one in the Miata :ugh2:

Hi I have a 2011 roadster that the roof failed due to a leaking lower left main lift cylinder ( which was caused by the tape being wraped around end of cylinder which shaft clevis pushed the tape into the seal). I contacted Klaus @ Top Hydraulics and ordered both left and right cylinders. I followed the sevice manual (link below). You had to lift roof unit out but did not disconect pump or electric cables and rested on timber to access lower cylinders. It took about 6 hours to complete and replace what oil was left. Nissan Australia wanted to charge me $19000 AU to replace the whole system. Thanks to Klaus and other members of this forum for information they have supplied. Also see photos below.
Attachment 120611

Attachment 120612

Attachment 120613

Attachment 120614
Factory Service Manuals - NICO Club

Bruce N.S.W Australia

Klaus -Thanks for the write up.
 

Klaus,

My top is working -I hope it continues for sometime. Great to read your post.

Thanks again,

Awesome wish you were in Florida !

Question there is two nuts that have a plastic cover, if they are missing you hear squeaking, where do I get new ones, is there a part # for those little guys. Also there is a padding that goes in front of top near driver and passenger. This pad has dislodged on drivers side. Feels like it was glued on

Can you get a photo of what two nuts you are talking about?

I found them, they are 5 each, I'll see if I can find a pick

Roof warning light on (but working fine)
 

Hello Klaus
Love my 370z roadster, the convertible top is functioning great
But I have the warning light on (not closed or open correctly)
I suppose it is just the switch ... ?
If you or anybody else has the experience, advices most welcome !
So thank you Eric

:bowrofl:

I would like to give a shout out to Klaus Witt at TopHydraulics. My top malfunctioned a while back and the driver side cylinder broke. The shaft separated from the joint. They did a great job at reconditioning. Top notch vendor. I would recommend.

Great news! :tup::tup:

Hello Klaus,

I am having problems with my top opening. Both top and bottom opens. As the top begins to set down and store in it stops. If I act as if I am closing it back resetting then open again the sensor activates and closes. Seems I am having a sensor issue. Any ideas on how to fix this? I would appreciate any help you can offer?

Thanks!

Just a thought here, but you may want to call Klaus as he may not check in here to often. I see his phone number is the first post on this thread

Good luck wih the repair

Spoiler

I want to give a BIG SHOUT OUT TO TOP HYDRAULICS for his help via email Had a serous issue with top on my 370z and his help was spot on and was able to do it myself instead of paying top dollar to fix it. WOW I can't express how much of a relieve it is to know someone who knows what they are talking about and able to help you fix it yourself. :happydance::happydance::happydance::happydance: