My bonnet ones are black, the trunk/tailgaite/boot struts are silver and quite rusted, have tried metal polish and even a fine grade of sandpaper but doesn't want to shift easily

Wondered if black were available

And yes I do know that I just need to measure them open and the length of the cylinder and I'd most likely get a match easily, but thought I'd ask.

Also are they all silver?

Did a forum search but now't came up

 

Every XK tailgate strut I've seen has had rust streaks unlike the bonnet struts which do retain their finish.

Now you've got them sandpapered, you're half way to refinishing them in black.

Graham

 

Marky, do you mean the strut rods or the housings? I've only seen black housings with chromed rods.

 

No the hydraulic struts themselves.

Appreciate that in somewhere like NM or Arizona they'll probably stay perfect

 

I was in Ireland for ten days a couple of weeks ago. Certainly was wet there, suspect the climate is similar to yours.

 

Yes definitely the car was kept 3 miles from the coast and I live less than a mile.from it 🤨

So salt water corrosion will be an issue

 

Hey Marty. I replaced mine last year. Here's some info.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...struts-181853/

 

Should the struts be strong enough to fully open the liftgate by themselves, once you get it moving? Mine only hold it in place, but do not assist with opening at all, so I was thinking I should replace them.

Where would the rust streaks be? Mine are probably original, and unmarred:

 

On the wider part of the strut that holds the gas is where the rust is usually found....does you car live in a heated garage?

And no it doesn't open more than an inch...but there are some aftermarket solutions (I had one on my MX-5/Miata which opened the trunk fully...plus I had a boot release inside the car too...not bad for A 1991!

 

Prior to replacement, mine would just lightly assist lifting by hand. When they no longer kept the bonnet open, I replaced them. The replacements lightly assist opening for the first 12 inches or so then they take over and I have to hold on the the bonnet to keep it from opening hard on the hinges.

 

I wish. It's in one while I'm at work, but otherwise it's outside all the time, year-around.

I thought I'd read somewhere that the liftgate should fully open once you lift it past a certain point, but I have to push it up all the way. Perhaps mine aren't yet ready to be replaced, then...

My bonnet struts do assist lifting, but quite softly. Were your replacements OEM?

 

You had to make me go and look.



I'll never unsee this now.

 

Don B on the X350 forum researched them and he indicated the Stabilis line of Sachs brand was OEM. That's what I installed.
My originals were black, as were the replacements fwiw.

 

Yep, they use the hinges to perform a trick of geometry to work correctly. Otherwise you would have trouble getting them to close.

Closed length, open length, ends style and gas pressure are what you need to know. There are tune able ones out there that allow you to bleed some pressure off if they are too strong. We use them on one of our presses at work.

 

Parts catalogue says there is a different strut for the XKR-S coupe, presumably a bit stronger to deal with the added weight of the bigger spoiler.

No mention about colours through, there's just the one part number for non XKR-S coupes.

 

Seems like a good application for a can of spray paint.

 

Yep 110 have a spray can of satin finish hammerite on order, so one at a time and some taping off should take care of things.

Also bought a black nail varnish (well it is Halloween season) for £1 from the...er £1 shop to touch up a couple of nicks on my black splitter