I had a stinking rat get in the engine compartment of my 07 XJ8 and gnaw a couple of small holes in the air line to one of the front shocks! Grrrrrrr

Now I need to figure out the most expedient way to repair this mess. Thinking of trying to find a compression fitting the right size for this tubing and cutting it at the hole, then splicing it together that way. Another thought is to cut the line and inset a metal tube that I can clamp the line onto.

Anybody else had to fix one of these air lines? What is the best plan? Thanx!

 

Judging by the parts manual Jaguar sell spares to fix issues with the air-lines. There is something called an In-Line connecter (6mm - C2C9932) and (4mm - C2C14901). They also sell 4 metre lengths of air tube (6mm) - C2C13881

 

I was unaware Jaguar supplied the hose, in the past we have gone to a Land Rover dealer & purchased the hose. I think they sell a repair kit. If you would like I can post the part number.

 

Thank you guys for the responses - the information was very helpful. Knowing that the front air line is 6mm put me in the right direction.

I managed to fix it quickly for only a couple of bucks. In the US, the local hardware stores do not cary tubing and fittings in metric sizes, and 1/4" is enough smaller that I was initially concerned about trying it. But the solution turned out to be a 1/4" Ander-Lign Universal compression union (sold at Lowes as a Watts A-10 for $2.77). This fitting has a metal insert that increases the size of the tube a small amount and provides for a strong compression seal.

Using a heat gun on low setting for about 20 seconds on the end of the air tube softens it enough to push in the insert; the only caution here is to make sure you get the insert completely seated all the way in. That's really all there is to it.