My wifes XType has a major leak coming from the upper radiator hose assembly. I bought a replacement from the Jag dealer today and am about to head home from work to try to replace this thing. Initially I didn't think this was going to be much of a job, but from what I've been reading I've heard everything from having to drop the radiator and removing the water pump, to "it was pretty easy actually". So, what is it? Do you have to drop the radiator just to replace the upper hose assembly? What's the best way of replacing this thing?

 

just remove the battery and the battery box and rad hose and all that plastic intake stuff and your set. Also their will be 2 bolts holding the thermostat connected to the block that's a pain to remove good luck sir

 

I tried this very job yesterday and gave up when I couldn't get those two bolts holding the thermostat to the block to move. Anyone have any tips to get them off?

You definitely don't need to remove the radiator (although it might help..) But I wonder if it might make sense to drop the fan module.

 

I used the small angle socket and i have no idea how i did it but i used a breaker bar or a jack stick for the top bolt as for the bottom i used extensions and strength but i bet a bar would help alot. took me 5 hours to finish the job from start to finish it was my first time.