Hello all,

thanks in advance for any guidance. I have just replaced all the Hydraulic top lines, cylinders and latch on my wife's 2001 XKR. I have the entire interior out including center console with switches still intact. I want to test the system while everything is out to check for leaks and proper operation. Is there anything that needs connecting before I do this? all front and back seats are removed also. I couldn't find anything in the manual nor on this forum, unless I did not put the right search query in correctly .. Any guidance is appreciated!

Mike k

 

When Wayne (cjd777) and I did the Top Hydraulics rear hoses replacement / rams refurbishment job on his 2000 XK8 back in April 2015, we did several up-and-down convertible top tests before we began the interior reassembly. The process worked 100% as designed upon Wayne's third press of the open/close switch (and I remember how delighted we both were after all that work)....

 

make sure nothing is in the void behind the rear seat where the top drops down (ask me how I know) - but otherwise cycle a few times, check for leaks

 

While we're on the subject, does the top's hydraulic system give any warnings before it lets go? Any telltale signs the levee is about to break, as it were?

 

I don't know if this is a warning or not, but the black rubber covering on my hoses is falling off on mine in small pieces at the pump, and also falling onto the carpet on the driver's side from under the dash close to the door.

Jack

 

Y2KJag,

Search this forum using the term "convertible top green shower". After reading some of the posts, you will know what to watch for regarding any telltale leaks of hydraulic fluid....



JACKP,

Flaking insulation falling off the black hydraulic hoses is one sign that system failure could be in your near future. Read the "green shower" posts for more details....

 

Thank you all for the responses, I will start the testing this weekend.
As far as warnings go my top latch hoses started leaking and it was dripping through the overhead center console speaker. About 5 years ago I had put on a pressure regulator which I think saved us from the green shower. All hoses were disintegrating when I started to get into the replacement. If you are seeing the black pieces of hose covering on the floor do not wait for the failure. Do not operate the top and start the replacement. It’s just tedious and time consuming. I’m 68 and don’t bend very well anymore so it’s taken me awhile to take apart the interior. Just take your time and mark connections. I found a few issues with plastic parts broken or deteriorating so I am fixing as I go along.
thanks again for all your support and responses.
mike