Fairly new here. Purchased a 2003 XK8 a number of months ago. Sorry to say, already had the green drip (at least it wasn't a shower), so needing to make that repair. Now a metallic rattle in the drivers door. Some searching here suggests a complex metal plate? in the door that is fastened with one bolt. Also within the next year, thinking I am wanting to address suspension bushings.

Just ordered the JTIS cd. So here is my question:
What tools other than the ordinary would you recommend that I acquire as we are looking to keep this car for sometime and repairs will largely be DIY.

IE: I already know I will be removing door/interior panels. Any tools that you found were necessary, or much better to get the job done?

Many thanks!

Mark

 

There is a good video on removing the door panels on this forum. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...its-faq-37325/ The video is towards the bottom of the posts. It looks real easy.

 

Most of the work on my Jaguar is done with a $10 set of 1/4" ACE hardware sockets. I found a wonderful door panel removal tool at Harbor Freight that I wish I had had in the tool box for the past 40 years. Panel Clip Pliers

Do a search and you will find a 'how to' on door panel removal.

Jaguar has some special tools but unless you doing some serious repair a simple set of sockets will do for most things.

JTIS is available for download from this forum for free.

 

+1 Those panel clp pliers will pop your interior A-pillar trim right off easily in addition to the door panels. You will need to do this for the hose repair.

Also a set of torx sockets will be handy.

 

I also think the cable operated hose clamp remover tool is a valuable addition to your tool box. Both snap on and sears have it. You can order the Sears one on line. Makes underhood work much easier.

 

I had never heard tool. I just looked at Sears to see what it is. That's a definite addition to my toolbox. Thanks.

 

Many thanks everyone.
here is another Q:
The Jag is a 2003 XK8 with just shy of 60K. I have no idea what oil has been used in the past. Is it safe to go synthetic?

 

Of course. I never believed the old 'synthetic oil causes leaks' opinion. If the car was serviced at a Jaguar dealer they just put in good quality dino oil but I have always run full synthetic with outstanding results. Another car in the garage with 145k miles uses about 1/4 qt of oil in a 10k mile change interval.

 

Curious, I am planning to replace the front top shock mounts. While I am doing this it seems I should go ahead and do bottom bushing.

I haven't checked the other front supension items, but with digging into the front end for that top mount, what else should I just go ahead and do. IE: Upper support bushings, etc.

Car steers fine and smooth with no loseness but has a rickety feel on bumps. Both the top shock mounts do need replacement.

Car has just shy of 60K

 

scantool software is a must

 

I've done a lot of repair on my car, they are relatively easy to work on, accessible and simple hand tools are good for most everything. My rule of thumb, if I need a special Jaguar-only tool I'm in to deep.

A Scan tool is mandatory (Torque if you have a smart phone) and the JTIS which you can access here on the forum.

I just did my hydraulic hoses. Replace them yourself and you'll get to know your interior pretty well. Take your time - especially on reassembly. Don't forget to install some sort of pressure reduction system while you're at it.

 

If you're up to the challenge, replace all the rubber in the front end. There are kits available and lots of info here from people who have been there. I brought the parts to a local guy who provided the labor for $900. Was worth it to me because he ran into a frozen upper wishbone bolt that would have caused me much gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair.....but it's like a new car now. BTW, he said the upper bushings from the kit fit just fine, but others here say to go with genuine.

 

Many thanks everyone. Went on a discovery expedition tonight for a metallic rattle in the drivers door. Bottom line: after test drive all is good. I will post tomorrow some extras off the thread I used as my starter.
I wrenched on my Jag tonight and was successful. I feel I lost my virginity LOL

 

Question, I need a new floor jack. Would prefer a 2 ton, but HF has a 1.5 ton on sale than is now over $100 cheaper than its 2 ton counterpart. Being all I would lift at most would be the front or back of the car, is the 1.5 ton sufficient?

 

I always over-spec with equipment that could kill me...ladders, jacks, whatever. I've got a 2-ton floor jack- bought it at Sears- and 2-ton heavy-duty jackstands. When life and limb are involved, stronger is better, always.

If you shop around at the local stores - Sears, Wal-Mart, the auto-supply chains...you'll find a good deal and avoid a big shipping charge. Those big floor jacks are HEAVY.

Be safe.

 

if you're referring to the big orange one from HF, I've got one, my bro-in-law has two. Its effortless and can get it up pretty high. It has worked well for front/rear half lifting on my car. My smaller craftsman struggles on just one corner!