Every time I go over any sort of bump, there's a thumping noise that comes from the front left of thwe jag, (it feels almost like it's under me.) My shocks may be getting worn, but from past experience, worn shocks have not made that sound before on other cars I've had. It would cost me over $400 that I don't have right now to replace the front two shocks, so is there anything else that it may be or if you think it is the shocks, is there any way to prolong them? I jacked the jag up and looked under to see if there was some exhaust hanging down or something, but everything was perfect under there so it wasn't what I thought....

 

The upper mounting bushes sound to be shot to me. Had what sounds to be the same problem.

Replaced them ( a quick cheap repair) and reused the existing shocks. 4 years ago.

Still OK,

Cheers,

 

Thanks so much! Is this something I can do myself with a simple jack, or would you recommend taking to my mechanic?

 

Yes, if you have an impact. With a standard wrench the shock shalf spins freely. I ended up cross threading it and had removing the entire shock!! Decided to let my mechanic finish on the drivers side.

 

Is this the right part? http://www.jagbits.com/mm5/merchant....0_Suspension_5

 

No, thats the control arm bushing. They are round donuts and you need two each side. http://www.jagbits.com/mm5/merchant....0_Suspension_8

 

Ok Thank You. Do you know of any instructions on how to do this? I know that I need to take the tire off and that's about it!

 

It's one nut on top of the shock. They mount under the hood. Romove the nut and pull the shock out of the hole. Replace the bushing on the bottom side and top side. Besure to reuse the large washers and watch orientation so you put them back together the same way. You might have to move the power steering reservoir and the coolant reservoir.

 

Adding to the above comments: If I remember correctly, you'll need two wrenches. One to hold the shock in place and one to loosen the nut securing the bushing. If you do decide to replace the lower bushing you will have to remove the wheel. Also, make sure you support the axle and brake disk while trying to replace the bushing or you might have the spring come off.

Mike

 

There isn't any where on the shock to hold the shaft with a wrench, that is why I stated above that you need a impact. You could try and use vise grips and a towel but, I wouldn't. Removing the wheel is a must and there isn't enough control arm travel to let the spring fall out.....unless you have other problems.

 

still pays to be incredibly cautious when working around that spring.
not unlike most shocks I've had to deal with, there should be a way to hold the shock shaft up top while loosening the nut that holds it in there.

 

It seems like I could really screw something up doing this...I think I'll leave this one to my trusty mechanic and watch him do it so I can do it the next time.

 

Probably not a bad idea, and while he has the car on the lift he will be able to check out the underside, exhaust, brake and fuel lines, play in prop bearings etc..

Cheers,