I have a 2002 Jaguar S-type V8 4.0L. my front struts are not good and I'm considering replacing them myself, but unsure if I need a compression tool to remove them? I plan on buying the kit, ready to install. If I do need the tool, i'd rather just take it to a shop, and get it done professionally.

 

Are your shocks electronic or standard?

 

they are standard. OEM. I don't think they've every been changed. The car has 104k miles... i should be able to swap them without much trouble?

 

I replaced both front struts and one upper control arm on my ‘02. Details here, including some precautions to take:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...l-arms-264748/

JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

To replace just the struts, not all of those details will be applicable.

The strut fits inside the coil spring. You will need a spring compressor to separate them. It’s not difficult, but you do need to be careful due to all that energy in a compressed spring.

If you’d rather not deal with that aspect, you may be able to find a shop who will separate them for you for a small fee.

Another option is to find a complete spring/strut assembly. These are marketed as a time-saving option for a shop. I remember seeing this option at the time when shopping for new struts but can’t find them now.

 

104K isn't a lot for Bilstein shocks, but if you need to change them, you have two choices. 1. Take out the tower, compress the spring and change the shock. At the same time you should really pay attention to alignment of the spring top and the shock do the lower bushing will fit. 2. If I was going to do some replaceing, I would buy the shock/strut tower complete with new shock, new lower bushing, new spring, and new spring/shock top mount. ALL ONE PIECE ready to put in. Choose door number 2 and no spring compressor is needed.

If you go on Carparts.com, they have all of that including individual Bilstein shocks/struts. I priced complete units so you can see that from Monroe, the complete unit will run about $183 each. They had another brand a little cheaper but you get the idea.

NEXT: Go to Youtube University and watch the videos on how to do it and what tools you need and the procedure.

Good luck. Other than the weight of the complete unit, the job can be only a few bolts and some good tools.