Hello I found the leak plaguing my XJR, Can I loosen this nut and replace the suspected o-ring leak below it while still in the car? The car is currently functional and I don't want to open a can of worms. Advice requested. The pictures attached are something I found on this forum. I i suspect the oring is the leak.

https://nm.box.com/s/68gkgqxz8fj68fe4lw1qtcr9xoo3ff3a

 

Where is Don when I need him?

 

Hi karaudio23,

From your video it appears the leak is from the rubber top seal of the air spring, or possibly from the ECATS solenoid (where the electrical harness connects). The pressure-retaining valve (PRV) shown in the photo you posted is where the air hose connects, and that is not where your leak appears to be.

34by151 has developed a method of welding a sealing ring onto the top of the air spring, but that is not feasible for most DIYers. I have read of one owner sealing up that area with epoxy (I think it was on the U.K. Jaguar Forums). For most owners a leak that bad in that area means replacing the entire air spring/damper. Our car has a slow leak in the same area that only acts up when the ambient temperatures fall below about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sorry!

Don

 

The nut where the ecats plugs in is the source it seems. when I try slightly tighten or loosen nut yoy can hear it get slightly better or worse. is there an oring under that nut?

 

I haven't had mine apart to see if there's an O-ring there, but you would assume there is. You might drop reyesl a private message to ask if he knows or if he has a photo showing the ECATS solenoid. His cutaway photos are the best we have, but unfortunately they don't clearly show how the solenoid is sealed:

Front Air Spring Cut-Away

Cheers,

Don

 

Picture is after the nut was removed I can see a cracked piece of rubber likely an o ring. I can't get the washer to come up though to access it.

 

What do you think the challenge is for removing it? Is it binding on something? I assume you've tried long thin needle-nose pliers? A pair of long thin flat screwdrivers? A crochet hook? A set of O-ring picks is not expensive... if you don't have any you might call your local auto parts stores or Harbor Freight.

Cheers,

Don

 

Don did nothing come of this? https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj-xj6-xj8-xjr-x350-x358-28/air-spring-leak-top-seal-131201/

 

I tried 2 small screw drivers it rocks back and forth but doesn't seem to come up at all. I don't think I have pliers that will fit but I'll double check. A set of picks was my thought but I'll need to go buy some.

 

With TIG welding 34by151 successfully repaired two front units that were leaking from the top seal, and is working on a bolt-on solution. I have read at least one account, possibly on the U.K. forum, of an owner who cured a top seal leak with epoxy. I have discussed such a solution privately with 34by151. The top seal is the large rubber piece that wraps around the aluminum disc at the center of which is the ECATS solenoid. That is a more common leak point than the O-ring on the solenoid that you are dealing with, but yours should theoretically be far easier to cure.

Personally, I would try bending small hooks on the ends of straightened paper clips or other suitable wire, or a good pair of tweezers, and if neither works, buy some small needle-nose pliers with long thin jaws, or a set of O-ring picks, or a couple of small crochet hooks from Hobby Lobby or Jo-Ann Fabrics.

Cheers,

Don

 

One thing to consider is the top rubber is worn.
This wear results in the leak which will get progressively worse.
Also this rubber takes approx 1/3 of the vehicle weight.

The rubber not only takes the weight of the vehicle but seals the air.
Fixing the leak without replacing the the rubber cant be guaranteed how long the strut will last. You are only blocking the air escaping by adding another seal. The root cause is still present.

That being said adding a cap between the inner and outer steel caps will stop your air escaping.

For me it was done as an emergency measure till new struts could be installed. Ive managed to secure a new set of sport struts which will give my XJR enough longevity. Not sure if you have sport of comfort struts. Comfort units are available (OEM and Aftermarket). Sports are unavailable.

Cheers
34by151

 

34by151,

Please have a look at the OP's video and photo. It appears his leak is not from the top seal, but rather from the ECATS solenoid O-ring. See what you think.

Cheers,

Don

 

Yes I would replace the oring and use loctite 569 on the threads

If the leak is still present you can weld in a ring to seal the leak or replace the strut.
If you chose to repair the strut remember the rubber is worn and will continue to wear and your repair is only blocking the leak not repairing the root cause

Cheers
34by151

 

I'm pretty sure the prior owner replaced both fronts 3 years ago or so. I'll tinker more this Sunday hopefully

 

34... Do you have pictures of this cap you speak of?

 

I will pull out the repaired struts and get some pics for you

Cheers
34by151