Howdy Folks:
While attempting the headrest cable fix, I discovered that the shrink tubing fix had already been done (probably by a Jaguar dealer) but had pulled apart over time to the point that it was inoperative. Not wanting this to happen again, I tried to figure out some other way to fix it. What I came up with was this:
Two pieces of 3/8 ID 1/16 wall Tygon clear tubing 1-1/2 in long silt longways one over the other with the seams 180 deg apart. Clamped with (2) 7/32-5/8 hose clamps.
It works for me, just thought I would pass it on.

 

I can see how that could work as long as the clamps aren't tightened too tight. I bought some really awesome, heavy-wall, adhesive lined heat shrink which I'm going to use the next time.

 

thats why I use either electrical tape pver the shrink tubing ends to hold in place. Or I use 2 pieces of shrink tubing that has a sealing glue insde over the ends of regular shrink tubing. Cause yes the reg tubing can come apart otherwise

 

How about rubbing up the existing tubing with sandpaper so you get a bit more grip!

 

It doesn't work. It may help slightly, but you really need something that grabs the cable and doesn't let go.

 

Self vulcanizing tape

McMaster-Carr

 

I roughed up the cable and used the adhesive heat shrink tubing. 2 inch tube overlapped with a 4 inch tube. I don't think it is coming apart. In fact Nalley is using this procedure now to stop returns. The adhesive heat-shrink tubing is available at marine supply stores.

 

Since I don't have access to SAE J1508 hose clamp specs, I just pieced this info together from the internet:
Max torque 10 in-lb
working torque 5-7 in-lb
What I did:
20 in-lb on the headrest fix (just an educated guess at the time)
Now out of curosity:
Bench tested another clamp which passed at 25 in-lb but failed (stripped)at 30 in-lb
Concluding that the clamp will probably fail before the housing crushes into the drive cable.
If I had it to do over, I would torque to 10 in-lb.

 

I used 4 inch lengths of heat shrink tubing and then wrapped it tightly with good old duct tape. It has been working fine for more than a year.

 

I used some hose (don't remember if it was fuel or vacuum) and tie wraps. That was four years ago, and with many younger folks in the passenger seat, that headrest has gone up and down about a zillion times. I'll agree that adhesive-lined heatshrink is a better alternative.

Mike

 

I would like to fix both my headrests, could you please tell me what diameter heat shink I will need? Quarter inch, etc..or in MM.

 

Found the heat shrink at Home depot.
3/8inch Polyolefin heat shrink tubing 12-4AWG, 3 strips in packet 4inch long, cost around $2.
Thanks Rev Sam for your excellent video, did both headrests, great job!

 

Do you guys have any pictures of the clamp solution? Sounds like it may work better in the long run.

 

Sorry that these pics are not sharp, but I think they will give you the general idea. The Tygon tubing pictured is 3" long. I slit it longways and then cut it into (2) 1-1/2 lengths.

 

i just noticed your location. are there any car clubs for us around charlotte? i also noticed you drive an 02 xkr. im new to jaguar and looking to meet other owners and maybe join a car club.

 

I do not know of any local clubs but I have been invited to Cars and Coffee at the Lake which you may have seen posted in the "South US" forum. Although I would like to go, to date, I just have not been able to attend. Maybe there would be interest on this forum to run the Blue Ridge Parkway this fall.