Our X350 has suddenly developed a harsh ride up front. It reminds of when there is an ECATS issue, and the system defaults to the firmest setting.

I had a chance tonight to put the IDS/SDD laptop on it to check for DTCs, but there are none, so it's likely not electronic.

I drove it around a bit, and I would describe it as harsh with maybe something a little loose on the driver's side. I plan to get under the X350 tomorrow to see if I can pinpoint the problem. If any of you nice folks have any suggestions of what I should look for or how to test for a problem, it is very much appreciated.

Suspension isn't my forte (not sure anything is actually).

 

When I saw the title of your post I was thinking CATS.

I can't remember if it is 5volts on or off which equals hard.

Maybe try disconnecting the litttle plugs on the top of the struts

and see what happens?

If 5v on is hard, disconnecting should reset it

Another thought:

If it is not CATS I can't imagine anything else it could be.

 

By default, shock are in hard mode. It takes PWM to enable soft ride.

 

Thanks guys, but I suspected the same thing which is I started with a IDS/SDD check for DTCs.

I can't recall seeing CATS issues like this without there being a code or fault shown. AFAIK, the CATS system does a self test at every start-up, and any wiring issues or if the valve doesn't respond, will show as a fault.

 

CATS defaults to Hard if there is a suspension fault flagged-up, but with no faults, this is a bit of a mystery. Maybe the front spring units aren't responding. There is a solenoid inside which switches a valve.

 

Got a chance this afternoon to take a look.

Found out why I felt there was something loose. The tie rod end on one side took a dive. I'd checked them prior to a recent trip and both sides where tight several weeks ago. I've never seen one fail so badly so quickly. Oh well.

Additionally, I think the ball joints on both upper wishbones are looking like they would like to join their tie rod buddy soon. How hard are they replace?

The only other thing I could find that perhaps could use some preventive care are the shock bushing, but I couldn't tell how hard those are to get out and replace. Do you need a hydraulic press?

 

Look at both tie rod end and the rear. One of my rear was about to part when I checked.
These bushings and boots all fail. I think you can get the shock bushings. The whole weight of the vehicles sits on these.
Read up on suspension here. Lots of info on finding cross reference parts that are cheaper than Jaguar.

 

The bushes at the base of the air shock can be very difficult, some people have

found that the bolt in the bush has glued in with thread lock and it has been

necessary to remove control arm with the shock and dismantle on the bench.

Hopefully yours will not be that bad.

 

Quick follow up question, I just replaced the tie rod ends, and will take the car in for an alignment when I finish everything. However, I made sure to count how many turns when removing each tie rod. The left was 22 turns, but the right was 26. Isn't that a bit odd? Last time I did tie rods on a car, both sides were the same number of turns.

So is that anything to be concerned with?

 

Yes it's a little strange but possible that one was replaced before and is a different length? I any event, toe is the only thing that will be impacted. I assume your steering wheel is still centered?

This is no concern if you're take it directly to the alignment shop and it's a short drive.