XK8 boot lid calamity

[pr100]

Shock/horror! Something has finally gone wrong with my 04 XK8 4.2 convertible -- the gas struts which lift and close the boot lid have died...and I've discovered that it's hard work lifting the lid without them. Can I re-gas them myself? Or are they sealed units which must be replaced?

[bazzo]

they are sealed, so its new ones im afraid.. however, they are pretty generic so should be easy enough to pick them up for penuts

[pr100]

Any idea where to go? Or even what the proper name for these things is?

[a8hex]

Berkshire Jag spares for pre-owned ones.
eBay

SNG Barrat for new ones.
The dealer.
SNG Barrat's website has prices on it which is why I tend to use them for bits.

[pr100]

Thanks but the nearest I could find to Berkshire Jaguar spares was http://www.berkshire-jag-components.co.uk/ and their website doesn't load. And at SG Barratt, I couldn't find this part and they helpfully (not) don't have a search function. I'll try eBay in desperation!

[a8hex]

pr100 said:

Thanks but the nearest I could find to Berkshire Jaguar spares was http://www.berkshire-jag-components.co.uk/ and their website doesn't load. And at SG Barratt, I couldn't find this part and they helpfully (not) don't have a search function. I'll try eBay in desperation!

That looks like the right place for Berkshire Jag .?.?.?. give them a call tomorrow. A number of PHer have found them helpful.

SNG's sight does have a search but I could spot the bit you want...
http://www.sngbarratt.com/catalogue/parts/
Again, I've always found them helpful on the phone.

[snuffle]

I will check my bin at work tomorrow there were a pair in there about a week ago, will be back on late tues evening so ill say if ive found them

[pr100]

Thanks to you both. Snuffle - I'll hold fire until Weds am.

[a8hex]

PS. if you think the boot lid on an XK8 is heavy you should try an early XK150!

[pr100]

SNG Barratt have them at £25 each + VAT + delivery
Local Jaguar franchise (Lancaster, Reading) can order at £48 each + VAT
Berkshire Jag Components don't stock them and I'm the first person who has ever asked for them!
Nothing found on eBay

[Piersman2]

My XJR had this problem whilst coming back from France last year, suddenly, the boot wouldn't stay open and it kept dropping on my head!

I did a bit of searching around on t'internet and found a company who could supply replacement struts for about £25. Fitting them took me about 5 mins.

So they are there, if you really can't find anything let us know and I'll have a dig around on the 'net again.

[pr100]

Thanks Piersman2. Five-minute fitting sounds about my level. Can you recall what tools you needed?

[Piersman2]

pr100 said:

Thanks Piersman2. Five-minute fitting sounds about my level. Can you recall what tools you needed?

None of any great note, if I remember correctly you just need something to lever the ends of the struts off the mounting nipples, something like a screwdriver should do it if you're careful not the scratch the paint.


I think it was these guys I used, I only bought one strut although they recommend buying a matching pair.

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts/gas-stru...

[pr100]

Thanks for the link - SGS are the cheapest yet found at £45 per pair inc VAT and delivery. They also say they can re-gas if the old part is sound but I will be swapping them out.

[snuffle]

found them, ive no idea how good they are but i dont remember the boot falling on my head when i removed them. free if you reimburse the postage
edited to add ive worked out how to send email , mob number on email to you

Edited by snuffle on Tuesday 26th May 19:01

[pr100]

Top man! I can send you a cheque or transfer funds via BACS. Maybe you could drop me an email - to [e-mail] - telling me how much and how to pay? i will reply with my address.

Much appreciated snuffle.

[snuffle]

posted today,PO says you should receive them by friday, fingers crossed.
Only cost £2.40 to post so if they fit put £2 in a local charity box , if they are no good put em in the bin.
also i noticed that one of the steel clips is a bit loose, so just use one off the original struts, they just prise up then slide off. any probs when you fit them give me a bell and ill try to help.

[pr100]

My lucky day, snuffle - thank you very much. I will donate a fiver to charity whether they work or not. I'll let you know.

The PH community is a wonderful thing.

[pr100]

A thousand thanks Snuffle -- the struts arrived today and I have fitted them but they aren't an exact match so I will have to replace them with new ones. They do support the lid but they don't do the power lift properly, nor the assisted close. Better than the old ones though (but 5 years older).

I very much appreciate your kindness and will be donating £5 to the RSPCA.

[snuffle]

sorry that they dont do the job
like i said only do the donation bit if you really want to im not fussed either way
its just nice that you offered