I've had a click/clunk noise from the header area of my car for quite awhile that is only getting worse and more frequent over bumps, etc.
After troubleshooting the mirror assembly and reading light unit, I eliminated them as the source. I have located the click/clunk in the header.
Turns out it is the little spring loaded metal plate (keeper?) that sits just above the latching claw mechanism. It is spring loaded up and down. When I push down, the spring loading is very weak and it clicks up when I let go. It has been bouncing up and down making noise over bumps, etc.

Is the fix just a stronger spring?
Or is tension maintained by the pressure in the hydraulic system?

I need to get into it because I'm starting to get a minor hydraulic leak and have to determine whether it is the ram or the hoses.

TIA

 

It is held down by hydraulic pressure. The reason it seems like a weak spring is because of the fluid leak. Fixing the leak will probably fix your noise.

 

Thanks Addicted

 

Addicted made that sound simple enough. LOL
Two day and $1000 later the click will stop, is what he should have said.
Seriously, I hope it's not that involved, but be prepared.


Wayne

 

And be aware that the aftermarket hydraulic hoses are far superior to the Jaguar OEM hoses. If necessary, your top latch assembly and hydraulic rams can also be refurbished by one of the companies that sells aftermarket hoses (Top Hydraulics in the state of Washington). The refurbished components will be far superior to the original Jaguar components because of the quality of the parts that Top Hydraulics uses during their refurbishment process....

 

TIA,
I have an entire refurbished assembly (hoses and latch assembly) for sale, if you are interested.

Neil

 

How bad is the leak, just a drop or two when the top is operated?

Mine 03 produced a drop or two every other roof cycle, it was the ram seal, $150 and one day turn around for repair by top hydraulics. Hoses are another story.

The top metal header is easily removed, take it off and do some exploration.

 

Did the two leaking latching ram lines with Top Hydraulics replacements. That was 10.5 hours of my life I'll never get back. But no more stress now every time I hit the convert button.
I'm putting the top down all the time now!

Addicted: you were right, the clicking and clunking is gone.

cjd777: It's only time and money, right?!

On the bright side, I replaced the subwoofers and restrung my XM antenna cord while I had the interior torn out. Glad that monkey is off my back.