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1999 XK8 convertible top leaks hydrolic fluid

bpmofva

Freshman Member
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I have paid extensively and often for repairs resulting from the convertable top malfunctioning. In one case the hydrolic fluid actually dripped thru the interior lights. As soon as they repair it the top funtions about 10-12 times before it fails again. Any thoughts? I also need to tighten the window on the driver side and was wondering how to remove the side panel since I assume the window tracks only need tightening of some screws. Any thoughts on this as well?
 
Well I see your other posts have drawn responses, but no one has welcomed you so I will. A big welcome to this fine forum. As you have no doubt deduced, the lads here are more into the older iron. I trust your patience will be rewarded re: your newer Jag and some one will catch up soon. Good Luck
 
I had to rebuild the pump for my 90 XJS.

Once you get someone familiar with the XK8 to tell you how to remove the rear trim panels, you will find that the lines from the pump to each slave cylander (that actually raises and lowers the top) are plastic. Check the fittings at both ends of the lines for signs of leakage.

Next, raise and lower the top looking for leakage at the slave cylander on each side to see if the piston seal is leaking.

My problem was at the pump itself.

There are a couple of convertible top hydraulic repair companies listed in Hemmings Motor News. They were not able to assist me, perhaps because they were not that familiar with a Jag. I disassembled the pump and brought the seals to a hydraulic repair shop and was able to match the seals that I needed. From what you describe, I think you have either a leaking line fitting or slave cylander seal leak.

Good luck.
 
Michael. Thanks. I'll check for those leaks. I hadn't checked out the pump itself. When the fluid was draining thru the interior lights I assumed only a leak there, but that fluid is no longer present and the problem persists.
 
I've probably only used my top 10-12 times.....so now u've got me scared....
 
I had noticed we had the same color 99' XK8. I love that car. I used to have an MGA. Wish I still had it. It was so simple in and out. Don't see many on the east coast anymore.
 
I love my Jag....It's completely different than any other car I've ever owned, it's got a very distinct feel to it. I never really liked the color when I bought it...but it's grown on me and now I like it....I still have trouble accepting I own a silver car(I always said I would never own a silver car)...but now I also got a brown car and if the brown grows on me like this did then I'll really be in trouble.
 
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