So I've searched and searched and can't find any threads about XFs and shock replacement. I've been wondering about this for the past little while. Is there a general maintenance guideline for shock replacement or are these pretty much only replaced when they fail?

Looking online there aren't too many options for XF shocks, only the OEM option exists. Thank god I have the NA 4.2 because the CATS enabled shocks on the supercharged run around $450-500 each compared to the $120ish per shock for the non CATS variant.

Has anyone had to replace their shocks yet? My 09 has 116k km and I might be looking to replace these in the next year or so as a maintenance item. Thanks.

 

The struts are normally replaced as a front or rear pair when they fail or leak. There is no predetermined maintenance interval for their replacement.

If the vehicle has only 116 000km, they most likely are still in good condition unless there is a leak or other issue noted.

You can tell if they are part of the CATS system if they have an electrical connector coming out of the top of the strut.

 

Thanks for the post. As far as I know they are in good condition but is there a way to check for resistance in the struts? I assume that as they get older the firmness of the shock degrades.

 

You can try pressing down on each corner of the vehicle to see how the strut reacts and if they offer resistance.

The internal valves that create the damping effect usually do not fail, but loss of oil or 'foaming' of the oil can reduce damping. Most struts are pressurised with nitrogen gas to keep the hydraulic oil from foaming, so loss of the nitrogen can also impact the performance of the struts.

Do you notice any difference in handling or ride quality?

 

Thanks for the tips. I'm not experiencing any ride quality issues but just looking to ensure that my maintenance items are under control.

 

On one of my 2011 XF Premiums, the rear right shock went out with only 25K miles on it. It was clear it was bad when pushing on the rear, and it made the car drive very poorly. It was replaced under warranty.

So they can fail prematurely.

 

FYI, not anymore.

Jag has changed the part number on the regular front shock for the XF non-supercharged, and the new part number is $350 instead of $150 for the front shock.

I changed both my rear shocks a couple of weeks ago because the dealer didn't replace them in pairs. It helped the ride, so I was thinking of doing the front because I could get the parts for $250 shipped, and I do my own work. But now the parts are closer to $600, and that's starting to be too much for something that doesn't really need doing.

Plus I don't know if the new part number will be the same, worse, or better. I can tell you that Lincoln started replacing part numbers for the Lincoln Town car shocks, and the new part numbers ride terribly compared to the original units.