Undercar Plastic Cover

[Blueborin]

Hi,

I've just had new tyres fitted on my SE 2.7 Diesel (2007) and have noticed that the under body plastic cover adjacent to the front near side jack point has been split. Is this easy to replace and does anyone know a part no and likely cost? or is it better to just repair it with a flexible compound. What's its purpose, is it there to stop damp getting at electrical circuits?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

regards

Robin

[J44EAG]

The under arch shields are there to keep road muck from accumulating on the body structure within the arch areas. They also cover the nearside wiring loom but water can still accumulate in that loom behind the arch. The arch liners afford some protection to components which are behind the arch liner. Certainly on petrol models the fuel filter is fixed to the car body at the rear lower edge of the liner.....effectively in the area where a front passenger would put their feet. Someone may have removed plastic clips to change the fuel filter at some point and damaged the liner or fixings at that time.

The rear edge of the liner is affixed to the car using from memory a couple or three plastic clips fitted through holes in the liner and push fit into the car body. I have always found the fixings a total nause to remove and refit when doing a filter change. In addition many of the metal Torx head screws fitted generally around the top the arch tend to corrode and round out when you try to remove them. The same goes for the front edge where again corrosion can make screw removal a nightmare. Removal with a grinder is often the only option.

Once the arch liner has been taken off, the remains of the fittings can be removed and new items sourced probably most conveniently from a Jaguar Main Dealer. Refit using copper grease, As regards whether the arch liner can be reused is down to visual inspection and local repair if possible. If too badly damaged a new or good second hand item would need to be sourced.

The same screw corrosion issue affects the front undertray fitted and contacting the lower edge of the bumper cover. When I undertook ARB bush removal and replacement recently, I struggled with the fixing screws. In the end as I had no power available for a grinder, I cut out a section of the front undertray to gain access to the ARB bushes. I will at some point make up joiner plates and use soft ali pop rivets to repair.

Plastic shields, push fit clips and corroded screws are a cuss. Best to have new items to hand before working this type of issue. That can save frustration when you come to reassemble a car.

Repair using adhesive or sealer of this arch liner is unlikely to be successful due to the nature of the plastic and its inability to adhere to bonding materials. Plastic welding would realistically be the only option. If damage is so severe that the shied is not reusable replace with another usable part. Attempts to repair are likely to be futile.

Mike

[Blueborin]

Thanks Mike............extremely helpful.

Robin

[oldtimer]

Robin,
I've just re-read your question and do not quite understand. What Mike says about the wheel arch liner is quite correct. However you refer to adjacent to the jacking point - are you referring to the wheel arch liner or the plastic sill cover . If you really mean the sill cover I'll go to the workshop and get the correct Name of the product to repair it.

Oldtimer

[J44EAG]

To clarify my post. The rear of the wheel arch plastic liner has a flap extension which tucks under the car, from memory just inboard and forward of the jacking point. The plastic push fit pegs then push through holes in the inner arch to secure. Electric loom, ABS connector, fuel filter etc and other gubbins live behind the shield. The pegs and the flap are awkward pieces and I`d not be surprised if it was those parts which may be damaged.

Mike

[Blueborin]

Hi Guys,

Thanks again for the prompt responses. Its difficult to clarify, but imagine someone trying to put a car jack on the sill jack point and then it moving under the car by 6ins so its now on the plastic cover. This is what has been split. This either happened when the new tyres were fitted or maybe when I had the last service undertaken at Jaguars in Bristol, either way its happened and I would like to get it repaired rather than let it just allow water to ingress beneath the cover. If I could get under the car and take a picture it would be quite clear as to the actual damage.

I would say however that its the plastic sill cover that has been split and not the wheel arch, although as Mike has identified the rear of the wheel arch plastic liner has a flap extension which this cover fits under/next to if that makes sense.

Again thanks for the input, very much appreciated.

Robin

[oldtimer]

Robin,
Now I'm understanding your problem.
Firstly, the plastic sill cover , regrettably does not keep the water out. water has the ability to enter in many places.

I, like your self get really p***** off with the cavalier way that people shove a jack under and do immense damage at a stroke.

To start with, can I suggest you interrogate S type bodywork on this BB. There are reams of
stuff about sills along with pictures. You will find all you need in order to remove and refit them.

As the years pass many early S types are suffering some serious corrosion problems, one of them is the metal sill beneath the plastic cover. As your vehicle is a later 07 model you may be fortunate and find no corrosion but I'll put money on it that the steel lip that the sidejack provided with the car is supposed to engage with is damaged.

I have to say that I believe the plastic sill damage is fairly trivial as this can be remedied. What does concern me is what you may find beneath the plastic sill.

When you have had a read and got the sills off then we will discuss this topic further.
Also come back if you are unable to find reference to sills in the body work section

Oldtimer

[Blueborin]

Thank you my friend, the M.O.T will be coming up soon and I have an excellent local garage who I'll get to check out the sills and undertake any required repairs. Like you I get really annoyed at the way these idiots just damage your car without any regrets. I pride my car, its in excellent condition 21k genuine miles on the clock and regularly serviced. Thanks again for you time and help.

Robin

[oldtimer]

Robin,
It appears you will not be undertaking this work your self. Despite that I still encourage you to read the available text on this subject so that you have an idea of the magnitude of the problem. Hopefully you find that your car has no corrosion to contend with as in the case of mine. I was able to wash the layer of mud off and expose perfect paintwork.

If it is your intention to retain the car for some years it is critical that the sill internals are treated with Wax Oil for long term preservation.

Oldtimer

[Blueborin]

Hi Oldtimer,

I've agreed with my local garage that they will repair the under tray and clear out any debris and re-wax as you suggested. They will also make good any damage to the jack sills to stop any possible rust getting hold.
I've been a customer of this garage for nearly 35yrs and they are excellent (Crown Garage Saltford). I agree with you though its extremely difficult if you can't undertake your own repairs to keep cars in a condition which most of us work extremely hard to achieve.

You take care.

Robin