Hi,
I have a 2005 3.0 sedan with standard suspension (non sport). I am getting the common front end clunking/rattling sound when going over rough surfaces at slow speeds. At first I thought it was ball joints but replacing the lower suspension arms made no difference. I also replaced the sway bar links, again no change.

I am now wondering if it is a problem in the struts as I have a couple of clues pointing that direction - the ride height is 5/8 inch too low on one front wheel and 3/4 inch on the other, and a report from an alignment job shows the caster to be outside the factory tolerance.

I think that the strut top mounts may be the source of the rattle, but I am wondering if that would also cause the other problems - too low and caster out of range. If it is the top mounts, is it necessary to replace both the mount and the bearing? Anything else?

Also, does the low ride height point to the spring and shocks needing replacement too?

Thanks
Eric Irvine

 

Eric, if your strut bearing is worn, that would cause what you are seeing. The strut bearing and the top mount are essentially one piece. So, buy a strut bearing and you will get the mount with the bearing installed.

As for the car sitting too low, this is more than likely a result of the springs aging and starting to settle. The only "fix" for this is to get new springs. This is a common issue with coil springs. As the car sits lower and lower, this will also lead to the tires leaning in on the top due to the type of suspension that is on the X-Type.

 

Thanks Chris.

 

SaltyOne: The video in this post shows a strut mount & bearing flexing as the front wheels turn. It illustrates why the mount & bearing wear out faster in the city vs. highway. Replace both sides at the same time, thought the suspension on the curb side wears out and makes noise first - that tire hits more potholes and sewer grates.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...1/#post1216949