Hello Jaguar Enthusiast. I have been told that I need front shocks. autozone states there are only struts on the 2003 S-type model. However, they asked if they were computerized or not. Huh? That threw me for a loop and halted my progress. can anyone answer the question of whether the struts are computerized? also, are there both struts and shocks or just struts. finally, is there a way to knew, through wear I suppose, whether both front and both need replacement? can anyone provide a stock number / jaguar parts number? thank you all so much.

 

djw - I've moved your post from the forums feedback/suggestions which is for posting problems with the forum itself - to the S-Type/S-type R section where you will get a better response.

regards,
Steve

 

Some of the cars have CATS. Shown by 2 wires at their top - engine bay is easiest to look at.

 

Can you be specific as to why the shocks need replacing? It may be just the lower shock bushings are worn. Do this simple check first.

1. raise front on jack stands with front wheels off.
2. visually inspect if there are shock oil leaks by lifting around the shock boot and looking inside
3. press down by the upper ball joint downward and visually check relative movement at the shock lower bushing and at the lower knuckle ball joint.

If you see wetness due to leaked shock oil, the shocks likely need replacement.

If you see any relative movement at the bushing or at ball joint either will need replacing.

The original front shocks are found to last a long time and of high quality. Bushings and ball joints on the other had tend to wear out earlier.

 

thank you Tony. your information is very detailed and useful. I took the car for a regular state inspection today and asked if I was in need of struts. they told me that there were no leaks or visible need to replace but that because I have 137k miles on the car, that they would recommend replacement. The reason why I felt I needed shocks or struts was because the incredibly squeaky nose during driving. sounds as if they car is a junker....but she's still my baby.

 

Keep looking for the sqeak. It might be something simple.
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DJ,
The noise you hear probably is from bushings. I would check the fronts like I described. The front lower shock bushing(which is actually pressed into lower control arm) takes a lot of beating and likely need replacing at your mileage.

The rear lower control arm bushings are also known squeakers. They are little more expensive as they are hydro bushings. You can check those by having the car off the ground(tires off the ground) and using pry bar to put pressure on the bushing to check more excessive movement. This is highly recommended video to watch:


(In the video is older front suspension example. In 2003 there was change over from older style suspension shown in video to updated design.)

Both the front shock bushing and rear control arm bushings are available online to be pressed into your own control arms.

Lessons learned for me: use factory bushing for front, aftermarket bushing I used already deteriorated after 1 year. So I'm ordering factory front bushings.