I have just bought a 2002 XKR cabriolet. Hydraulic fluid Is leaking from the roof mechanism, where it clamps above the windscreen. It drips through the mesh covering the occupant sensor. Anyone know the fix, please?

 

You are going to need new hoses for the latch and possibly a new rebuilt latch cylinder.

Look in the "how to" section for all the info.

 

Recommend checking out Gus's site JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource for detailed instructions on how to complete the repairs. At a minimum you would need to replace the hoses - Top Hydraulics and Cabriolet Hydraulics both offer replacement hoses that are better quality than factory hoses and prices are comparable. I just bought the 4 cylinder hoses from Cabriolet Hydraulics for $310 (40 core return) and another member bought from Top Hydraulics for $400. Both companies offer the set of 6 hoses for $600 - so it wouldn't hurt to replace all at the same time to prevent future loss of hydraulics as the other hoses age.

Cabriolet Hydraulics

Jaguar Convertible Top Hydraulic System Rebuild/Upgrade Service - Top Hydraulics, Inc

 

Thanks for the info, guys.

 

Well, I have bought the latch cylinder and hose set; $850 for the latch cylinder! After looking at Gus' site I chickened out of repairing it myself and have booked it into a local classic car workshop. I have also fitted new front dampers and suspension bushings and ball joints, which has transformed the handling.

 

I had mine done too. Planned to do it myself but, like you, just felt it was too much. My mechanic only charged me 300.00 to do it after I bought hoses.

 

Was that from Jaguar?
I thought top hydraulics could rebuild them for $150 or was it beyond that?

 

Note that the OP is in South Africa. That may have a slight tendency to drive up his costs....

 

My hoses were replaced in phases as well- the latch hoses by a PO and the roof hoses by me just days ago (still working great). I got mine from Top Hydraulics as have most on here, and would highly recommend them- just ask for Klaus.

It's a pretty large expense, even when doing the job yourself, so it's understandable that the roof hoses will be left until they start leaking, though ideally, all 6 would be replaced at once. It may only be another few hundred bucks to do so while everything's apart, so I'd recommend it. It's not difficult, but it is time consuming and you should probably have another car to use or take a day off work if you aren't retired! Consider rebuilding your roof rams for $150 USD each as well- all new fittings. It's nice.

Another word of advice I forgot in my thread last week- be super careful removing the pump. Especially if you have the premium Alpine sound system with the larger trunk rack/shelf to accommodate the amp, which the pump sits on top of into the fender. I didn't see the solenoids on top, and the plastic electrical connectors were brittle and easily broken when I yanked it out accidentally. Rebuilding those alone cost me $200. Disconnect the (typically) yellow y-connector plug on the end of the rack/shelf to free these connections, and carefully guide that wire and the pump out toward the front of the car, then down and out gently over the battery. Prop up a small box or something on the battery, and you can start disconnecting the master power and hydraulic lines from there.

 

Yes, it was a new cylinder from Jaguar. As Jon89 points out , I am in South Africa. Our poor exchange rate does tend to push up costs...

 

Sorry Robin I missed the location, a search on the part number (HJD8243AA) shows very similar prices in the US.