Hi all.

As some of you know there are two different types of hydraulic hoses for the soft top on the XK8/R.

In my own 1997 the old hoses are still holding up after 19 years. (Knock wood)

I am now changing the latch hoses in my friends 1999, which started leaking at the top latch. This car has the new hoses.

It seems from JEPC that the change took place at VIN 031317.

The first two pictures are the old, the third, the new.

I am putting in new hoses from TopHydraulics, excellent service and fast shipping even all the way to Norway.

 

Good for you Oyster. A little practice with come in handy when you do yours. The cooler weather may be you secret.


Wyane

 

Thanks to Oyster.


Imagine all the keystrokes, money, time, aggravation, busted knuckles and the like that could have been saved if Jaguar had just kept using those early hoses.

 

My 97 has always been in Georgia, not known for cool weather. It's the hoses, but that doesn't mean the latch and rams won't ever leak.

 

From what I understand, the first year hose set were less problematic. Bean counters. Probably found a vender to supply hoses at a reduced rate. Save a little coin on 1998 and above Jaguars. By the way, I used TopHydraulics as well, overhaul and upgraded both rams as well as header latch. Replaced all hoses. I have been very pleased thus far. I am sure you will too. Rich

 

Finished doing the top latch hoses. Not really difficult, but very time consuming as you have to remove lots of the interior.

AllData stipulates 5,3 hrs. but I probably used twice the time. If I have to do it on my own car, I would change the ram hoses at the same time.

You really need JTIS to figure out how to get the interior out. Also very good help from the link at Gus' site.

TopHydraulics supplies a connector so you just pull the new hose though with the help of the old ones. Smart.

I highly recommend TopHydraulics, very fast service and excellent products.