Hey all, I have a 96' XJS and I'm wondering if there's any regiment/yearly checks I should be doing to the convertible top system. I've never owned a convertible before and I want to make sure I'm not missing topping off any hydraulic fluid or greasing any moving parts to make sure it stays running well. Curious to know what you guys do to service it, and how often. Thanks!

 

After having had my convertible for over 22 years, the roof mechanism is the one part of the car that has needed no adjustment or repairs. I do the obvious check for fluid leaks at the reservoir / pump (never had any) but I admit that I have never looked at the rams or frame.

Naturally, you'll be wanting to clean, perhaps recolour, and reproof the hood fabric on an ongoing basis. You might also want to check the tension of the closing hooks and adjust if not optimal. The rubber cups that the pins locate into on the windscreen frame are prone to deterioration eventually. And I use a rubber protectant product called Gummi Pflege to lubricate the rubber seals all round every few months.

I'd also suggest you always fit the hood cover when the roof is down. Not only does it look better, but it prevents dust and grit blowing in between the folds of the hood which will deteriorate the roof lining and eventually the hood itself.

Cheers

Paul

 

Having just replaced my hydraulic cylinders on my 94, and my buddies on his 95. I suggest you check the cylinders themselves...they're easy to visually check - look for evidence of leakage around the base. Also the pump seal is prone to failure too, look for fluid around the bottom of the pump area. There are rebuild kits on ebay for both the pump and cylinders. Easy to rebuild. (well relatively).

 

Hi Monkfe,
I have to replace hydraulic cylinders on my 91.
Can you give me an Ebay link for the rebuild kits for pump and cylinders please?
Thank you!

 

Sure here you go https://www.ebay.com/itm/277222137622

 

thank you Paul! This is very helpful

I’m wondering if there’s any way you have a part number on the rubber boots that seat around the hooks, both of mine were really bad and crapped out on me quickly. I’ve been trying to find them but haven’t had much luck.

 

try here
Latch Cup / Locating Pin for Jaguar XJS and Aston Martin DB7 | eBay

 

$100 shipped? Ooof. No.

I used Sugru Moldable Silicone Putty and it has worked for years.


The convertible's weak points is a seal within the motor in the trunk. It will eventually go bad an slowly leak fluid. If you want to be proactive, you can order parts so you have them on hand when it starts to leak. You'll need a container of special haydraulic fluid and a special washer.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ics-fix-71273/

The cylinders are much less likely to fail, although I have read a couple of reports on that. My cylinders are still OEM and work fine, even though I ordered replacements. I just haven't gotten to it yet.