Just found a problem with the 2004 XK8 I bought yesterday. Picture shows it all. It was not like this when I picked it up but the top mounts were new and appears one nut was not tightened.

How do I align it to re-bolt?

 

If it wasn't like that, how did it get that way?
Did you tighten the nut and break it?

 

I think the nuts had not been tightened when mount was put in. I didn't do anything to it the seller had it done before I got it.

 

I think the problem is with the rivets that hold the mount together. If it's just a matter of getting the other nut started you might be able to move it by jacking the car up to decrease the load. Either both sides or disconnect the sway bar to do one side.

 

UPDATE. Anthony8858 is right. Bolt has been overtightened and had broke off. Must have been like that when I bought it and i just didn't notice. Can driving cause the body to bend and must now the hole shock be taken off and a new mount put in?

 

You might have to put a new mount in.

I had mine done by my mechanic, so i'm not sure if the bolt can simply be replaced.

 

i think I could fix this with a cone nut. A very thin cone nut would thread onto the recessed bolt and tighten against the chassis. Maybe I can machine a regula nut into a cone nut. Save much research what thread is this?

Also I saw an 1997 XK8 that had plastic dome covers for these mounts but I have never seen them again. Are there meant to be covers?

 

The bolt covers aren't required, they are just to protect the threads. Older cars had rubber caps on the shock mount studs and a plastic cover on the top of the shock. Newer cars just has rubber stud covers on all 4 studs.

If you can't get a nut on the broken stud then I would replace the top shock mount. It's not that hard to do but is a bit fiddly removing everything and compressing the spring.

 

Its not really hard at all to take the shock/spring assy's out and fix this. It would be harder to fix it on the car.

The only time consuming part is removing the upper wishbone and that can be done in 10 minutes after you've done it a couple times (own an X100 for a few years and you will)

I guess compressing the spring might take 15 minutes if you don't have air tools (and you have have to go Autozone to rent the tool... another 25 minutes).

Leaving it broken will put bending stress on the other 2 bolts and bolts don't like that, So it's got to be fixed.

 

You bought it from a reputable dealer?
Why not raise this issue as an important one?
Buy a new mount and let the dealer have it properly installed.

 

My comment in post#4 was not very intelligent, sorry. It's likely the bolt was sheared when they installed it because they didn't remove the powder coating from the threads. There were several reports of this problem in the past. I had to use a die to clean mine.

 

It's a stud with a flat bottom. Held in place by a couple of tack welds. A dremmel will take care of it and a welder car tack it back. Not a big deal once it's off, there in lies the problem.
Yes the paint on the new part was the problem, not the torque.

Wayne

 

+1
Not good enough, IMHO. You've only had it for a couple of days - is there no warranty of any sort attached?

I'd be knocking on the dealer's door:- it's a vehicle safety issue.

Just my 2c..

P.S. Beautiful looking car, by the way.

 

My kindness once again exposed as my weakness

I have to agree with you.

 

Yes I am taking it up with them. Was more concerned about driving as I am 100 miles from them. Thanks.

 

A bit of lateral thinking here and I've got a workable fix. Used a flange nut and washer upside down.

 

There is a batch of aftermarket top mounts going about (world wide) which have been manufactured with very poor quality studs, as mentioned above, many reports of failures.


A bit of paint on the stud is not the issue, I tightened mine up with a torque wrench and one sheared off very very easily at well below the torque setting. I returned mine for a refund and refurbished my originals.