GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 XLR 🢒 Roof 🢒 Folding Top 🢒 Folding Top Cylinder Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Eye Protection Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Folding Top Hydraulic Pressure Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Servicing Electrical Components Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1111822 Size: SH
  1. Manually open the folding top as shown in the illustration. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation .

    2. The distance (A) from the windshield header to the leading edge of the folding top panel is 430 mm (17 in).

  2. Place a protective covering over the interior and the adjacent body panels.
  3. With the aid of an assistant, support the folding top to prevent the top from moving when the strut actuator is being removed.

    4. Object Number: 1318735 Size: SH
  4. Use a small flat-bladed tool to lift up the retainer clip (1) on the lower pivot link bracket side of the strut actuator.

    5. Notice: Apply pressure only at the end of the strut actuator that you are removing or attaching. DO NOT apply pressure to the middle of the rod because damage or bending will result.

  5. Remove the strut actuator (1) from the ball joint on the lower pivot link bracket (2).
  6. Position the folding top so that the front panel is resting unlatched on the windshield header, with the locating pins in the receivers.
  7. Lower the rear compartment partition (1).
  8. Remove the side compartment trim. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Left Side or Rear Compartment Side Trim Replacement - Right Side.

    9. Object Number: 1250796 Size: SH
  9. Locate the cylinder (1).

    10. Object Number: 1250769 Size: SH
  10. Remove the bolts (1) from the cylinder retainer plate.

    11. Object Number: 1250799 Size: SH
  11. Pull the cylinder retainer plate (1) out until the plate contacts the idler lower pivot bracket (2).
  12. Pull the retainer plate (1) and the cylinder (3) towards the rear of the vehicle until you have enough room to remove the retainer plate (1) from the cylinder (3).

    13. Object Number: 1250787 Size: SH
  13. Remove the spring clip (1) from the cylinder mounting pin.

    14. Object Number: 1250770 Size: SH
  14. Loosen the bolts (1) to the hold-down link. Do NOT remove the bolts.
  15. Remove the shoulder bolt (2) from the folding top panel link.

    16. Object Number: 1250773 Size: SH
  16. Remove the pushpin retainers (1).
  17. Remove the retainer straps holding the cylinder hoses (2) in place.

    18. Object Number: 1250772 Size: SH
  18. Pull down on the rear folding top panel until the cylinder (1) is centered over the hose channel. Move the cylinder hoses to the edges of the hose channel before removing the cylinder.
  19. Slide the cylinder off of the mounting pin.
  20. Remove the cylinder.

Disassembly Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Cylinder Hoses Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1247299 Size: SH

    Important: Once the cylinder hose or the port plug has been removed, do NOT move the cylinder rod. This will cause fluid to squirt out of the ports.

  1. Ensure that the ignition switch is in the OFF position and that the folding top has not been operated under power for at least 6 minutes.
  2. Remove the reservoir filler plug (1).

    3. Object Number: 1226132 Size: SH

    Important: Remove the 2 hose connectors one at a time. This procedure is repeated later for the second hose.

  3. Using a small flat-bladed tool, release the retainer clip (1) from one of the cylinder hoses.

    4. Object Number: 1226135 Size: SH

    Important: Before disconnecting the cylinder hoses, have the replacement cylinder ready.

  4. Remove the cylinder hose retainer clip (1).

    5. Object Number: 1226139 Size: SH
  5. Remove the cylinder hose (1). Use a clean shop towel to control any hydraulic fluid leakage.

    6. Object Number: 1226143 Size: SH
  6. Remove the cylinder hose O-ring (1).

    7. Important: Replacement cylinders are filled with fluid. Do NOT remove the port plug from the cylinder until you are ready to connect the cylinder hose.

  7. Using a small flat-bladed tool, release one of the port plug retainer clips from the replacement cylinder.
  8. Remove the retainer clips from the replacement cylinder.
  9. Remove the port plug from the replacement cylinder.
  10. Remove the port plug O-ring from the replacement cylinder.

Assembly Procedure

    Object Number: 1226145 Size: SH
  1. Install a new O-ring (1) onto the cylinder hose (2).
  2. Install the hose into the cylinder port (3). Press down on the hose until the hose is fully seated in the cylinder.

    3. Object Number: 1226152 Size: SH
  3. Install a new cylinder hose retainer clip (1). Inspect the retainer clip to ensure that the clip is fully seated around the hose (2).
  4. Repeat this procedure for the other hose.

    5. Object Number: 1247299 Size: SH
  5. Install the reservoir filler plug (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1250796 Size: SH
  1. Position the cylinder (1) to the vehicle.
  2. Slide the cylinder on to the mounting pin.

    3. Object Number: 1250787 Size: SH
  3. Install the spring clip (1) to the cylinder mounting pin.

    4. Object Number: 1250770 Size: SH
  4. Apply LOCTITE™ Blue, GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to the bolts.

    5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the shoulder bolt (2) to the folding top panel link.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).

  6. Tighten the bolts (1) to the hold-down link.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 7 N·m (62 lb in).


    Object Number: 1250799 Size: SH
  7. Install the cylinder retainer plate (1) into the hydraulic cylinder (3).
  8. Push the retainer plate and the cylinder towards the front of the vehicle until the pivot pin on the retainer plate is aligned with the hole in the folding top support bracket.

    9. Object Number: 1250769 Size: SH
  9. Apply LOCTITE™ Blue, GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) or equivalent to the bolts.
  10. Install the bolts (1) to the cylinder retainer plate.

    11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 7 N·m (62 lb in).


    Object Number: 1250773 Size: SH
  11. Install the retainer straps (2).
  12. Install the pushpin retainers (1).

    13. Object Number: 1111822 Size: SH
  13. Position the folding top as shown in the illustration.

    14. The distance (A) from the windshield header to the leading edge of the folding top panel is 430 mm (17 in).


    Object Number: 1318735 Size: SH

    Notice: Apply pressure only at the end of the strut actuator that you are removing or attaching. DO NOT apply pressure to the middle of the rod because damage or bending will result.

  14. Install the strut actuator (1) to the ball joint on the lower pivot link bracket (2).
  15. Manually close the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation .
  16. Remove the protective covering.

    17. Object Number: 1274131 Size: SH
  17. Turn the pump bypass valve (1) clockwise until the valve stops.

    18. Object Number: 1274144 Size: SH
  18. Raise the rear compartment partition (1).
  19. Install the support and the carpet over the hydraulic pump.
  20. Close the rear compartment.
  21. Bleed the hydraulic system. Refer to Folding Top Hydraulic System Bleeding Procedure .
  22. Inspect the hydraulic system for fluid leaks.
  23. Inspect the fluid level and add fluid as needed. Refer to Folding Top Fluid Addition .
  24. Inspect the folding top for proper operation. Refer to Power Folding Top Description and Operation .