Convertible hood clamp hydraulic pipe burst

[paulXK8]

Hi
I have a hydraulic pipe burst right at the connection to the ram that works the hood clamp on my 2005 XK8. It seems that this is not an uncommon problem. I have access to it but does anyone know if a repair can be done short of replacing the pipe all the way back to the pump?

[Astromorg]

Looks like you're out of luck and set for a long job! This link provides a guide on how to do it with plenty of pictures

http://www.jagrepair.com/RoofHoseReplacement.htm

but there are a number of other experiences with the hood hydraulics here

http://www.jagrepair.com/jaguarxk8xkr1997_2006.htm

The first link ends as follows:

Good Luck if you wish to take on this project. If you should find a better way let me know, if I left something out let me know so that others can benefit.

Around 10/25/07 Jaguar had a hose repair kit to repair the failed end at the latch but that kit failed miserably and was removed from stock.

[paulXK8]

Hi
Thanks for the info. Having got to the connection what's happened is that the plastic pipe has blown out of the ferrule rather than actually bursting. However this does not make repair any easier. The braided outer is frayed and also the inner pipe was kinked at the ferrule - presumably during assembly at the factory since there is no evidence of anyone else having accessed it. The Jagrepair link that you gave me shows exactly the same failure in exactly the same place. Given the difficulty of repairing it and the mess it makes when it fails one would have hoped for a better system. Also one would think that given the number of times this seems to have happened there would at least be a decent repair possible - e.g. there is space behind the left hand windscreen side trim to connect in a new section of hydraulic hose. Enough complaining - I'll do a bit of research. In the meantime it's back together with some ptfe tape to prevent any drips, the hood fuse removed to prevent operation and the hood raised manually. Repair will probably wait until the winter.

[mike020150]

Keep us posted on progress. Mike.

[Astromorg]

I just found this alternative write-up of fitting new hoses. Detailed explanations/guidance and many good photos

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go ... 20Solution.

[paulXK8]

Job now done - hood claw hoses replaced from the claw back to the pump. Although not technically difficult it is time consuming as a lot of internal trim etc. needs to be removed to get access. I've seen some reports that it can be done in 6 hours. I did it over 6 days. I didn't work all day every day on it and had to stop to research some parts. I also took the opportunity to clean carpets, trim, seats, etc. If I did it again (hopefully never) I might manage in 3 days. Replacement hoses (not cheap) came from SNG Barratt.
The best guide I found was https://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread. ... ost1094300
There were still things that needed working out as follows:
1. The passenger seat needs to be removed. The battery needs to remain connected to move the seat to get access to the screws holding it down. However the battery needs to be disconnected before removing the seat itself to avoid any possibility of activating the airbag.
2. The right hand rear speaker has to come out. This fouls a bar above and I could only remove it by removinga small piece at the toe of the bottom fixing to allow it to tilt forward and be removed clear of its base studs.
3. The hoses disappear into the bulkhead behind the rear seat and it is difficult to see where they go. You need to remove a soft bung around the wiring harness in the bulkhead and then cut a tie tying the hoses and the wiring harness down to the bulkhead behind the bung. By raising the hood manually about half way (watch it doesn't collapse back on fingers) you can then see where the hoses go and cut some remaining ties to allow the hoses to come free.
4. Make sure you mark the hoses with coloured tape so you know which is which for connection at the pump.
5. I did bleed the hoses before connection to the claw but I think that they self bleed into the pump reservoir
6. All the hydraulic rams have to be in the correct configuration for the system to work. I had the hood down and had to return the claw manually to the closed position before the system would operate.

Good luck if you ever need to do this.

[mike020150]

Well done. As you say, it's a lengthy job. Think of how much labour cost you have saved by doing it yourself. It's the equivalent of your better half telling you how much was saved by buying in the sale! Mike.

[svk123]

I have a 1998 XK8 convertible which I have owned since 2002. I have recently become aware of the problems with the original hydraulic fluid for the hood mechanism turning to jelly. Having read about burst pipes and the 'dreaded green shower', I am now frightened to press the switch to operate the hood for fear that the pipes will burst.

To my knowledge, the hydraulic fluid has never been changed in my car so I presume I need to get it changed to the Pentosin {?) type. I am not capable of doing this job myself so I intend to get it done by Webbers, my local Jag dealer. I have seen a Technical Bulletin issued by Jaguar back in 2003 which states that the fluid change should be done free of charge on the basis of a customer complaint.
So I have two questions:
a) Am I correct in thinking that I need to get the hydraulic fluid changed?
b) If so, what are my chances of getting it done by Jaguar at no cost, as per the Technical Bulletin ?
Any help and advice will be much appreciated.

[mike020150]

Since you have owned the car for a long while and you have not mentioned the classic symptoms of the hood fluid gelling (slow operation of the hood), it doesn't sound like you have a lot to worry about. Many cars had their fluid changed when they were somewhat more youthful. Expecting Jaguar to change the fluid FOC at this age isn't realistic. Unless seriously safety related, Jaguar service bulletins have expiry dates and I suspect that applies equally in this instance. Mike.

[svk123]

Mike, You are a star! Prompted by your helpful response, I looked back through my maintenance records. Obviously I should have done this before I posted the question!
Much to my delight, I discovered that the hydraulic fluid was changed in 2003 ! This was done in accordance with the Technical Bulletin and under the Jaguar Extended Warranty that I had on the car at the time. It is such a long time ago, and was not significant at the time, that I had completely forgotten.
Anyway, problem solved and I am very grateful for you helpful advice.
Many thanks,
Stuart