OK guys,its back with avengence this leak,and I still havent found where its coming from>A while ago I noticed the Resevoir very low,so I bought the correct fluid filled it and it worked great again,but over the next few days I noticed a puddle of fluid next to the rear wheel arch,same side as the resevoir.I took the rear seat out looked around and couldnt find where it was coming from.
Now If and its a big If,I can find the leak and if its a burst pipe,how could I repair it?can I put a connector in their ,or would I need to fit a new pipe in their?I just wish I knew where the leak was coming from.and Its definately not from the reservoir or the cylinder with the motor.Any thoughts.please.

 

You said you took the rear seat out before, but did you take out the rear trim panel (with the speaker grill)? This will expose the lift cylinder and its hose connections.

 

dear white XKR,no I did not,would that expose all the hydraulics on that side of the Car?if it does and I find a lak,how would I repair it?

 

Yes, you would get a much better view of the hydraulics when you remove the rear interior trim. The speaker may also need to be removed for full access.

It will expose the the lift cylinder, and both upper and lower hose connections to the lift cylinder. I think the chances are excellent that you will find your problem there.

If the hose or connector is leaking, the hoses need replacement, if the cylinder seal is leaking, then the cylinder needs replacement obviously. You may have to dry it off and observe some cycles to see the source of the leak.

 

If your leak is in front of the Right rear tire (facing forward) it is likely coming from the hose unless the hose has been replaced then it is a result of a blown seal on the lift. The right lift seems to be the most common failure of rear hoses or lift seals. The Left (facing forward) lift has very few failures.

As for repairing the hose or the connector has had no success your only good option is replacement. I have photos of a lift and hose on my page Hose & lift evaluation I hope this helps!

 

Hi Gus... On your webpage there is a pic of two (2) seals at the top of the cylinder which prevent fluid from leaking past the piston rod.

In your studied opinion, is the hydraulic lift cylinder repairable? I could not discern whether you cut the cylinder to access these seals, or the top was turned off... being held on by threads.

 

Gus had cut them open...they are not repairable.

 

Sources for new... or maybe tested used top lift cylinders?? Jagbits wants $475 any place more reasonable? Lot of money for a couple of ten cent seals....

 

$264 or $339, dependfing on which side (the right side has a microswitch built in) at Gaudin: 1997 JAGUAR XK8 Parts - Direct JPLV Porsche Parts.com

 

Thx White... I use JPLV for alot of parts. Good Call.

 

Gordo,

Check your PM. I want to talk to you about the ram, it is a sealed unit and repair is possible if you are willing to try it. Give me a call.

 

I completed replacing the latch hydraulic lines with Chick Trent's hydraulic kit.
I noticed that my left hydraulic ram for the convertible top is free floating - it is not attached anywhere (except to the hyd hose of course and the ram connects to the top) whereas the right one seems to be attached at the big junction where the top is attached to the body. Any picture or clues how that is supposed to work?
Thanks

 

Duh - there is a button that the lift cylinder mounts to - will put a tie on it to keep it from coming off.

 

TopHydraulics offer a repair service - I haven't used them for cylinders but I did purchase upgraded hoses from them and their service and back up was good - I think they are around $150 per cylinder using upgraded seals.

 

TopHydraulics did my top latch - excellent work and fast service.

 

Ditto for me - 48 hour turn around $150 for the latch