Happy Friday Guys
My 2002 XK8 has been left in the sun too long by it's previous owner and the corner tips of the two airvents that run under the windshield have ever so slightly lifted. Now whenever I'm on bumpy roads or sometimes sitting idling they squeak slightly from the cars vibrations.

I tried using tweezers to slide some of those super sticky foam pads underneath but they were not strong enough to grip and hold the tips in place. As you know the angle of the windshield is such that it's very hard to access the vents.

Any suggestions?

 

...and not buy replacement pieces, I presume?

 

I assume you are talking about the defroster vents?? Take them out and look at them. Maybe something you can do to tighten them up some.

 

Haven't tried this yet, but plan to:

http://www.jag-lovers.org/snaps/snap...?id=1201748417

 

my 97 does the same thing. The far drivers side left and far pass side right are lifted up and squeak, worse in the winter. But I can't hear it over the loud speakers of which the little ones up in that area are blown so the crack liuder then the squeak when they are turned up.

 

I performed this procedure today:
http://www.jag-lovers.org/snaps/snap...?id=1201748417

A few tips relative to the above instructions:
-Remove all traces of the old adhesive. This is tedious: first scrape it with a flat blade screwdriver, then scrub it with Goof-Off or some other suitable solvent. Roughing the plastic up with sandpaper in the bonding area is a good idea also.
-For much easier access to reglue this difficult to reach area, I recommend Loctite Instant mix 5 minute epoxy which has a long nozzle for good access. Here is the Loctite (Lowes and Home Depot carry it):


- Be sure to cover the dashboard to protect from spills !
- Be sure to clamp thoroughly (I wedged five 1/2" diameter bolts between the bracket and windshield until the epoxy dried.

 

I plan on doing this at some point and will document my experience. How hard was it to get the vents out?

 

To locate the tabs insert a cheap plastic paint scraper in the front gap and slide from side to side until you feel resistance of one of the tabs. Then pull out the scraper and place it in front of a tab. Push and lift at the same time and the tab will release. Do this for all four tabs. Once the front tabs are released just pull the vent cover towards you to release it off the back clips. Study the photos first, and be patient...itis not too hard.

Also do it on a warm day, and you stand less chance of breaking any plastic.

 

I must admit I hate working with plastic trim. More often than not I end up breaking something. Whoever came up with the attachment method for these air vents should stop by at my driveway and give me a hand putting them back in. The most idiotic design. The plastic tabs in the front refuse to go back in. Managed to do right side, on the left side ended up separating glued pieces again even though I used the recommended epoxy and spent hour scraping old adhesive off. The most annoying part is that while the squeak is better it is not completely gone. I will probably try felt spacers or give up on it all together. No way I am taking vents off again.

 

I might have to redo the drivers side (again) as well. I'm going to try JB Weld this time. Here is my write up of the experience (the first time): https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...nts-faq-45338/

 

Keith,
I used your write up when I worked on mine, it was very helpful. I am thinking of trying caulking backer rod this time, don't think the tabs will survive one more attempt.