Going to do the struts on the car. Did a little searching and found several to choose from. But of course want to get some suggestions from the members on this. Also tried to search on the site for a video I think remember seeing about how to do it. Also I remember certain types had issues with exact size to fit and adjustment was needed? Anyway, any help or direction appreciated.

 

Jag used Bilstiens'. Check into these.

 

+1 on Bilsteins, I replaced all of mine, converting it to non- CATS. Much cheaper.

this is what the old ones looked like:

 

gabrielduenas, my STR was converted to non CATS too. Enjoy the linear dampning instead of the marshmellow to somewhat firmer....

 

I agree. Mine were so bad, they leaked and were stiff as you know what. You can almost buy all 4 bilsteins for less than half of the CATS.

After replacing them I unplugged the module in the trunk and have had no problems

 

whats the handling and ride comfort feel like in comparison to cats vs. non-cats?

 

gabriel, what part number Bilstein? I used the replacement for an "S" with "Sport Suspension", wish I went stiffer. Phalaenx, my STR runs H&R Sport lowering springs, the ride begins and remains noticeably firmer than stock, flatter around corners, but not able to absorb modest short dips and bumps in the road, small dips and bumps...no problem. She still rides smooth on flats, otherwise acceptable. I want to go to a firmer strut/shock.

 

I actually got the ones you referenced in your other thread.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ats-str-54885/

 

Those Bilstiens will do just fine with your "S", a tad stiffer than stock.

 

How, exactly, do you convert to Non-CATS? I wanted to replace my struts, and didn't think I even had CATS in my '00, until my mechanic told me I did. I can't even find the CATS enabled struts, and I don't want to imagine the cost of them anyhow....

 

What I did is purchase all 4 bilsteins. Unplugged the module in the trunk, where the spare tire is. If you receive a dash warning light, perform a reset and that should take care of it.

The cost is outrageous, I think about $350-$400 each

 

Got it -- thanks gabrielduenas! I see a module behind the spare, towards the bumper, so I assume that is it. Hard to see how to unplug, as the plug faces the trunk bottom, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. Probably some tabs on the sides?

 

Zachster, of the two modules; unplug the module to the right, not the left. The module on right is the rear bumper object sensor.

 

You can double check the mechanic. Do you have any wires going to the top of the struts in the engine compartment? CATS will have them otherwise you don't have the CATS set-up.
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The Bilsteins must be really expensive!

 

Question: When do struts typically go out?

 

It varies widely depending upon road conditions, driving style, and of course the vehicle in question. I've had McPherson struts that lasted over 200,000 miles. I've also had struts that need replacing by 80,000 miles. What makes you believe that you need new ones?

 

I agree with Jon89,
I have a daily car, McPherson struts which has 180k miles. No problems at all.

The picture above of my leaking struts on the s type were taken when the car had around 55k miles

 

Mine is at merchants right now for what I think is struts. The steering was getting really loose and after a bump the car felt as if it would go.sideways. I'm waiting on the call this AM.

 

Well it wasn't only struts. I had a ball joint loose. The struts need to be replaced but not right away. The ball joint assembly was 1k set back.
I'm shopping for struts now.