Hello all, I have my drivers door taken apart to the point where the JTIS says "disconnect link rod" and "disconnect lock barrel etc." The trouble I am having is figuring out how to make these disconnects. My door handle was loose...I found the loose screws holding the handle on but the pvc handle gasket is damaged or old. I have the replacement pvc piece. Any help telling me how to remove these rods would be appreciated. Thanks
(I'd like to avoid breaking anything, so I'm moving pretty slow.)

 

Update: I reversed the procedure in the JTIS. I removed the 2 screws holding the door handle. I was then able to carefully manipulate the handle out of it's seat a little bit. I was able to twist it and remove the locking rod and then the latch rod. The new PVC gasket has to be cut to fit around the return spring. There is a groove in the gasket that shows where to cut.

 

Good DIY project itspec, don't forget pictures if you have time, others have asked for guidance on the very same item

 

I wasn't able to do pictures, but the handle removal is a matter of careful manipulation. After taking out the 2 screws securing the handle I was able to pull the handle out of the door a little bit. Jiggling (technical term) the handle I could get it out further and see where the rods are connected. You have to take them off one at a time with the lock rod first. You can twist up on the handle releasing this rod. Then the catch rod is easy to get off. I have had it off twice in the last hour because the aftermarket gasket didn't seat just right when I tightened up the screws. I stretched the gasket with a bic lighter...just warming it up.. and reinstalled. Good fit now. I stared at the handle for an hour trying to figure out how to do it. Now I can take it off in two minutes. By the way...I have a 98 xk8 with the Harmon-Kardin system. I didn't have to take off the tweeter cover to get door panel off.

 

I added this to the FAQ, even without the pics.

 

It took me a couple hours, but I finally replaced my door gasket tonight. I've got some pics, I may add them in a bit. Hardest part was getting it stretched to perfectly overlap the door handle...I bet sitting it in the sun for a few hours would be better than my lighter trick, I was afraid of melting it so I did a little at a time.

I also unscrewed the lock assembly instead of working the handle off its bar because that plastic looked brittle. I decided to play it safe and I didn't break anything!

 

Where did you find the aftermarket replacement gaskets? Jag dealership asking $765 for entire assembly when all I need is the gasket! Thx.

 

welsh enterprises

make sure the gasket is warm and 'pliable', it is a very tight fit

 

Hello,
Does anyone know where i can find a reasonable External Drivers side door handle/ White and Chrome, For My Girl.. 1997 Jag XK8

 

Jagbits has them..new and used. You might want to pose this question in it's own thread...I think more people will see it.

 

Hi there, same problem with my 1997. Both sides are affected. I found them on ebay over brementech for 69.95 a pair including shipping. keywords: xk8 door handle gasket. I will let you know on how the install went.

 

we'll be watching for it olli!

 

just completed this task over the weekend - pretty simple task with the help of this forum. Both handles had been loose since I bought the car but noticed the gasket was pretty much gone. Ordered a few months back but finally got to replacing them. Found 1 screw on each side in the bottom of the door panel. Once the remaining screw was removed, manuevered the handle out, skipped the disconnecting of the rod and lock mechanism and was able to fit the gasket around the handle. I do need to adjust the one corner but with the current temps in the 80's should make it a little more pliable to fit properly. Love this forum!!!!!!!

 

trying to get some feed back on which gaskets are aa good fit........ unfirtunaelty OLIG who posted here he was using the BREMTECH ones which are the VOLLIG manufactured brand has not returned to update us.
There seems to be
1.. VOLLIG brand
2. ORC brand
3. Welsh. not a good fit, seems people say they are small and need to stretch
this is not surpriseing as its a welsch product.. bad company
4.coventry offering. no reports on that one

the first 2 are to be found on ebay, cheaper than the rest to . so no idea yet on which is best to use....... maybe its a luck of the draw on this one!
Peter

 

Peter - I used the Welsh gaskets and would have had better install results had I disconnected the linkage as JTIS directs - just took a bit to stretch around the handle and get set into place. I did have to readjust the one but again attribute that to my not following the procedures Three years later they are still holding up well