Astra Convertible Roof Hoses: Sauce Bottle Mechanics

This year we have now replaced 2 hydraulic pump manifolds with red particles blocking fluid flow and we could not identify these red spongy particles or where they had originated from.

The team at ALNO thought it was impurities in the power steering fluid that were used

Holes in the hydraulic manifold are as small as 0.4mm in places and the smallest particle with create a blockage in the hydraulic system

Where were these particles were coming from and how many Astra's will this effect?

It all became clear today when we came into contact from a customer whom purchased hose from eBay with a set of instructions from an eBay account claiming to be a convertible specialist.

HOLDEN ASTRA CONVERTIBLE HYDRAULIC HOSE 1999-2005. WITH HOW TO FIX GUIDE

DO NOT use a sauce bottle to fill your oil Reservoir unless you want to replace your pump manifold.

These instructions suggest to use a sauce bottle to fill the pump reservoir why would someone suggest to use a sauce bottle to fill the reservoir. When one can undo the two nuts at the base of the pump tilt the reservoir so the opening of the reservoir is pointing upward and fill it past the max line about 3-5mm.

With or without a funnel is your choice.

The hose that has been replaced has no oil in it and once the roof hose has been primed then the oil level with drop between the minimum and maximum lines.

Furthermore on top of the reservoir there are two lines moulded into plastic indicating min / max lines to assist with the tilted filling process and there are two additional lines on the side of the reservoir.

No need for a cup of tea and no Beeping .... the roof just works

For more information on what oil to use in your convertible roof and why one should not use power steering fluid in there convertible roof hydraulic system.