Hydraulic Fluid For Convertible Hood

[DougX]

Hi,
I would welcome comments regarding the changing of the hydraulic fluid on convertible XK8/R's. Having read this month's (July) Jaguar World, an article regarding "Buying an XKR" suggests that the fluid should be changed every six years. This recommendation was suggested by North Wales Jag company. However, talking with my local Jaguar Franchisee Dealer, they indicated that there is no need to undertake this unless there are issues with the hood or pipework. What are other members views?

[JimMann]

Hi Doug,

Only the very early XK8 / XKR convertibles were filled with a fluid which turned to a gel after time and needed to be flushed / changed to the modern alternative, which eliminates the issue long term. Depending on the age / year of your car, you may not require to heed the advice of North Wales Jag. I believe only those cars pre 2000 would have the older fluid type originally and many will already have been changed in any event.

The symptoms of the fluid turning to gel is the very slow operation of the hood movement in the X-100 XK8 / XKR, if yours is moving freely, then you should be okay.

PS Sometimes it helps to explore the Forum for issues before simply posting a new thread, this topic is covered several times, the link below will take you to a previous thread where the issue is discussed and solved.

viewtopic.php?f=67&t=10028

Regards

Jim

[DougX]

Hi Jim, yes I did check the forum but couldn’t see the answer I was looking for. My XK8 is 2005 MY and my understanding was that, as you indicated, it was the earlier XK8/R’s that had issues with the fluid. However, it has been pointed out to me that the fluid will deteriorate over time and as it has been 15 years, I question whether it should be changed? In respect of the gearbox oil, although Jaguar have indicated it is a “sealed for life” gearbox, everywhere I read, owners recommend changing the gearbox oil at around 60,000 miles, which I have undertaken. So should I therefore be thinking of having the fluid changed on the hydraulic hood mechanism?

[JimMann]

Hi Doug,

Of course you can change the fluid if you so wish, but it is a painstaking and messy job, not for the faint of heart. Up to you!

Regards

Jim

[davidr]

In my view there's a world of difference between gearbox oil that is under shear and heat pressure and so is being actively degraded and will cease to do its job of protecting the gearbox components and the hydraulic oil in the hood that isn't really under any appreciable wear and whose only job is to transmit hydraulic force. If it were me and if there are no obvious issues I'd leave it well alone.

[DougX]

Thanks David, I appreciate what you have said, regarding the difference between the gearbox and the hood hydraulics. I think from the comments posted, as I have no issues with the hood (one thing I must check is the fluid level as I haven't checked this!) unless I spot any problems, I will leave well alone.