The hoses on the 1997 & 1998 were noticeably different than the ones installed in the 1999 on. If I can find the photos I will post them on my page.

 

I have a 1999 XK* and just had that experience happen to me out of nowhere! $800 to fix!

 

$800 is cheap!

Parts are $300 and there is about 8 hours labor. That amounts to about $1200. Is that a quote or what you paid?

If it is a quote, ask for a written commitment.

 

I had an aftermarket CD Receiver and amplifier installed in my 2000 XK8 convertible. After the installation I could not operate the convertible top or the rear windows. After reading the excellent posts here, I noticed leakage of hydraulic oil in my trunk. I took it back to the installer, who disassembled the car to show me that the hydraulic lines were deteriorating.The outer plastic sheathing was crumbling at touch and the oil was leaking out wherever that outer skin was removed. I'm now in the process of getting estimates for the replacement of the hydraulic lines for the entire assembly. The system is only as strong as its weakest link, and apparently my 10-year old hydraulic lines are the weak link in my convertible top assembly.

 

I have a '99 xK8 and I noticed (last night) hydraulic fluid on the ground under the passenger's side door in front of the left rear tire. I'm thinking this is the top's line leaking. Is this where I might see it? I don't see any fluid in or on the rear wheel or tire so I'm thinking this is the top leaking.

 

That is exactly where you would see it. I just replaced the ram and a hose on that side myself.

 

how hard was it to do?

 

It was pretty easy for me because my son-in-law has a shop and he did it for me. When we were wiring a new stereo we found a leak and replaced the ram but that probably wasn't the problem. A couple weeks later my roof didn't operate and then we found where the previous owner had fixed a blown out hose but that fix didn't hold. We took the hose to a place here in Phoenix and they made a new one. Check out the FAQ section, there are a lot of good links there about this problem. If you go to Gus' website, he has a great step by step how to with pics about replacing all the hoses.

 

Another datapoint. My XK8 appears to be an early 1998. The hydraulic hoses do not match the description of what I have found elsewhere in this forum. I've attached a photo here. They appear to be made by Power Packer. As far as I know about the history of this car including the repair history, it appears it had not had a "green monster" failure yet in 12 years!!! The records show that the previous owner did have the original fluid flushed out and replaced with Pentosin CHF 11S back in 2001. I had just had to top it off recently, so I suspect there is a slow leak somewhere, but I have not seen any evidence of it except a decrease in the level of of fluid.

Does anyone know anything about these old hoses? Any reported failures from the early-model years?

 

sailr, there is that really long, multi-page thread (by gus I think) that describes all the various hoses used in the cars by jaguar. It should be in the FAQ list if you want to hunt it down.

 

Sure, but nothing that really covers this type of hoses... That is why I posted the photo and asked the question.

 

If I see the markings correctly it says 260 BAR and if that is correct it converts to 3,770 PSI, well over what is necessary. The reason that I do not have that information listed is because as I mentioned earlier the older hoses were matched to the cars system and failed hoses are nonexistent. I would like to get a photo with more of the markings on the hose.

Now if you suspect a slow leak I would ask you why? If your assumption is based on a low fluid level you might want to check the rams and the latch itself at the header. I was fortunate to capture a latch that shows the piston seal being forced out of the chamber that caused a leak. This same seal is used on the rams and causes the same leak. My best guess is that your hose will outlast the rest of the system based on latch, ram and hydraulic pump failures. Unless the hose has been pinched bent or chaffing you should be OK!

 

Thanks Gus!

I'll try to get a better photos with the markings. The hose actually says 600bar!!

I am scared because everyone complains about hose failure and I see lots of references to failures every 4 years. From what I can ascertain, this car has not had a failure since it was built 12 years ago. It is either built differently or I am seriously overdue for a little disaster! I am hoping for the earlier.

 

Thanks Sam. My top will not be used again until the voltage reduction mod that I have in my hand will be installed. I personally think Jaguar should be ashamed of themselves for such a bad design and worse system testing. Somebody should kick them in the butt. Strong comment about Jaguar to follow.

EZDriver

2000 XK8

 

Leaking hydraulic hoses, plastic thermostat housings, plastic cam tensioners, poor quality ABS modules--All examples of what happens when the Ford-Jaguar accountants took control of the company from the engineers. Cost'em $ millions replacing engines and cost'em thousands of retail sales. Hopefully things are different with new ownership--and ex-Mercedes upper management running Jaguar.

 

I have a 1999 XK8 and have had the shower twice.

 

Add me to the club. owner the 2002 for 6 months and got it this week.

Got it repaired at Cadillac Jaguar of Northlake on the east side of Atlanta for $850. Been there a few times and have been happy with the service.

to make the poll better maybe have one entry with never, and how long they owned the car.

 

Just had the shower Friday, a nice (not hot) day, heard the "phut" and then green stuff. Have been calling around for prices and heard anything from $350 (if they're lucky enough to be able to put a new fitting on) to $1800. One place said around $900, but another $900 to clean the aribag sensors and 'replace the Homelink buttons becasue they fall out". So goodness knows, i'll hit the local Jag dealer to have them look at it and make the determination whether they can put the new fitting on...

Disappointing that this problem has been going on for so long...

 

Sam, I have mentioned this before, and it will effect your data. I think there are a lot more 1999's, or at least they write in a lot more.