Has anyone published a video or a step-by-step pictorial on changing the convertible top hoses? Couldn't find it with the search function, and would like to restore the top to its fully-automatic operation. I'm currently working the latch manually.


Thanks.

 

Gus has one on his site: JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Max, just sent you a PM. Should be of some help from Jon89 and I, we tried to leave no nut unturned.


Wayne

 

Thanks for helpful responses. As previously posted, I'd like to hook up the latch hoses again for automatic operation, but am concerned that it's "rolling the dice" to do so, hence my inquiry on the difficulty involvoed in replacing them. Age (73), arthritis, and a small garage work space have me thinking of paying to get it done, which will not be cheap. In checking the records that came with the car, it appears that these hoses were replaced under warranty in 8/02 with 25,000 miles on the car. The part number was HJB-8265AA for the two hoses. The car now has 61,000 miles on it, and I'm wondering how easy it is to access the latch hoses on the top of the windscreen to see if there are any obvious signs of deterioration, which might give me some idea of the gamble I'm taking. An alternative (with not guarantees), is buying and installing Gus's LSI pressure reduction kit. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

It could be the latch itself that is leaking and can be repaired. It's not difficult to access the latch and inspect it. I believe the jagrepair.com procedure covers that.

 

If the latch or a hose is already leaking, none of the available pressure-reducing pump mods will cure it.

On the other hand, if you end up installing replacement hoses ... the newest aftermarket hose types are strong enough so that no pump mod should be required to protect them.

 

Since I disconnected the latch hoses from the pump (thank you Dennis), I've obvioiusly had no indications of a leak. If I can get to the latch hoses, I might be able to see if they're visibly deteriorated or if there was any past seepage at the joint connections. If all seems to be in good shape, I'll go the pressure-reduction route and keep my fingers crossed.

 

Max,


I thought you had installed the port caps after finding a leak in the latch hydraulic circuit. If there has been no leak so far, pressure reduction makes good sense to me.

 

chd777

If you have good distraction on replacing those hoses could you send me a copy?

Thanks
Brian

 

max224

The link below is a pretty good overview of the job you're facing. Coincidently, I spent all last weekend and this weekend doing it myself. A lot of the car's interior needs to be removed. It is doable but it takes a lot of time.

JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource


I obtained replacement hoses here:

Rebuild/Upgrade Service for '96-'06 Jaguar XKR/XK8 Convertible Hydraulic Components - Top Hydraulics, Inc

 

I have high praise for Top Hydraulics hardware and rebuild work. The actual work to replace the hoses is labor intensive but not particularly difficult. You basically have to gut the interior, Once you remove the rear seats, driver seat, overhead console and center console, the rest is a piece of cake! By the way, the drivers seat is very heavy and I would recommend getting some help.
Pete
04 XKR

 

Unfortunately, i don't have the room in my garage for all of the interior components that would have to be removed (seats, etc.) and am working alone, so it's probably not a good project for me to take on. Thanks for everyone's input.