2003 S-Type V8, 82K miles. Tires needs replacing badly. Keep putting it off. Now, I am noticing the car rides differently. when I hit a small dip it really bounces hard. Never did that before. Could the shocks need replacing? Or some other work done to them?

I'm thinking any work on shocks will be expensive.

 

A bit of research, I guess shocks is not the right term Looks like have CATS suspension. What are the signs that the CATS need work or replacement?

Thinking it may be time to trade in. Dealer says compressor needs to be replaced at $1,900. New tires are needed so that is about another $1,000.

As much as I love the Jaguar styling, driving, and comfort I am considering a Fiat 500!

 

Your description does sound like blown dampers (proper term for them), or commonly referred to by most people as struts or shocks.

The next question of course, is do you have the CATS suspension, or non-CATS suspension?

I see you've done the research and found you have the CATS suspension.

CATS dampers are significantly more expensive than non-CATS.

If you're on a budget, a compromised solution would be to buy a complete set of 4 new non-CATS dampers, and replace your CATS-suspension with those.

The main difference between CATS and non-CATS is that CATS are computer controlled. When you install non-CATS dampers, the computer no longer sees or controls them.
This will generate a CATS related warning on the dashboard. My understand is, from reading recent threads, is you can disconnect the CATS-module, in order to avoid getting this message.

You would have to check if the stock CATS springs are the same as non-CATS springs, before deciding to reuse your stock CATS-springs with NON-cats dampers. If they're significantly different in length or spring rate, I would strongly consider getting a new set of non-CATS springs, to go with that new set of non-CATS dampers. Capiche?

A new set of non-CATS dampers should run $250-$400.

New set of CATS dampers can go for $1,000-1,200...






Which compressor is the dealer telling you to replace, and why?

 

Thanks, that is a big difference in price. How do I tell if I have CATS? I have a sport button next to the shift. That leads me to think CATS, but I don't know.

 

This is probably the easiest way to identify if your S-Type has CATS suspension or non-CATS suspension.

In this example, the red arrows points to the top of the 'strut tower', you will see there is NO electrical harness connector here at the top of the strut. This is a non-CATS jaguar s-type.


In this example, the red arrows point to the top of the top fo the strut tower, where you will see an electrical connector clipping to the top of the strut tower. This would be a CATS equipped jaguar S-Type.



Note:In some cases, the 'strut tower' will have a rubber cap on it. This is easily removed to check for the harness connector or not.

 

I had an idea thats what it was. Good to know for sure.

 

If you don't have a cats system I have a brand new replacement "shock/strut" that I accidentally purchased not knowing I had the CATS system. I have had it for a while. If you want it I'll give it to you for cheap!!!!!

For your sake lets hope it's not CATS. Mine was upwards of $2k and the dealer told me there was only one in the country at the time. Lucky for me I didn't have to pay for it. Thanks Pepboy's

 

GTR2R, THANKS! Very helpful post of photos. I now know I am sans CATS.

Candy's Kitty and others, when you say new set on non-cats up to $400 is that a pair? I'm assuming all wheels need work? or just the front?

I just remember the old days when my Dad would buy new shocks for the car.

 

$250-$400 is what I priced out a set of four (4) non-CATS dampers on rockauto.com.

Very reasonable price.