My 2004 xk8 has a hydraulic leak, after some hours of searching the forums I located my leak. A hose has separated from a fitting located behind the fuse box on the drivers side kick panel area. There is no leak on the headboard by the latch. Does this mean that a repair was already performed on my car and has failed again? Also anyone have any suggestions on what to do from here?

 

Robert,

I responded to both of your e-mails you may want to check them.

Gus

 

Thank you, I did see your replies, here is where it stands today, my vehicle was previously repaired, that is why the hose separated behind the fuse panel and not by the locking latch, the dealer quoted $12-$1300, a local shop that specializes in Jags and has done several of these came in at $960. I am not able to do the repairs myself so I will have to hire it out. I am going trying to find out if the entire hose is replaced should I still use the pressure relief valve shown on your web site or will the new hoses be rated higher to withstand the 1600psi.
Rob

 

Hi Rob, the hoses will be better quality, not sure if its rated higher (but gus can confirm), but also remember your 'rams' or lift cylinders as they call them, that raise/lower the top have also been known to leaks at the higher pressure. The reducing valve will prolong their life as well. I had both of mine changed due to a leak, so talking from experience here. At $200 a pop plus labor, the valve could easily pay for itself.

good luck!

 

This is almost a no-brainer: INSTALL THE CHECK VALVE! From all the research and studies Gus and Walt have done, there is absolutely no downside to doing so as it appears that the stock pressure is way much more than is actually needed to work the top.

Doug

 

The CGR hose on my page will withstand any pressure and temperature your car will be exposed to. Check the ratings on my page at the end. http://www.gusglikas.com/AutoRepairNewHydHose.htm

 

Ok, sounds like I will be ordering the valve, repairs start monday so I will order and install it myself. Thanks for all the help. By the way has anyone had any success trying to get Jaguar to cover any of the cost since it appears this was an engineering problem from the beginning? Even more so since the kit they sold failed!
Rob

 

Jaguar and PowerPackers will not offer a thing!

 

The ONLY possibility of having this covered (but no guarantee) is if you have the Select Edition Warranty. In my case it was covered (car had 2 years left on the SE Warranty and only had about 17,000 miles on the clock) but this was not a slam dunk. It really is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Doug

 

Thanks to everyone for the info and advice. Love my ride, but this is the second big repair expense in the two years I have owned it, hope this doesnt turn into an annual thing.....