While I was under the hood working on the rigid plastic cooling pipes I noticed a bulging isolator on one of the upper shock mounts.
I've had a rattle coming from the front end for a while that I hadn't been able to track down but this seemed like damning evidence of the source so I went about finding some new ones.
I'm sure no one here will be surrpised that the ones on the car (Uro from Rock Auto) were gone.
Not terrible, 40k miles and about 10 years, but retirees like me like to complain, it's like a hobby!
I found Meyles at Parts Geek and after replacing the Uros things are quiet again, mission accomplished, right?!
I seem to remember someone saying neither the Uros or Meyles lasted so I thought I'd do a preemptive search for something better.
Any suggestions out there for quality replacements for the upper shock mounts on an XJR?

 

So, first thing, these gals are old and parts are outdated and pretty much only repops are available. Ok, I'll let you bitch and moan about that a moment... ...it is a hobby after all. Ya see, I can say that because I'm approaching the same age.

Well, now that that's over, review this link and use the part # to see about chasing down an OEM. Item 8 off the exploded detail, if it's available...there are two choices. You'll notice the OEM tag if available is $$$$$$$ vs repop $$ ....https://www.sngbarratt.com/English/u...assembly/29156 ...for the time we'll drive these gals, you can replace a repop 3-4 times and not come close to the OEM $$$$$$. You already know these are easy to replace as a whole.
Your retired as you've stated, you have time to do some scrounging. Maybe you can find some New/Old Stock from David here or even ask if he doesn't have it, very nice gentleman... Jaguar Parts - EverydayXJ
Those are the 2 best ways I can recommend you chase down any replacement part as a whole. We used to be able get just the bushings and have our towers rebuilt or do it yourself, barring your garages tooling. I have a buddy who has a motor bike shop with 10-50 ton presses, I paid him to do mine 15 yrs ago. I don't know if they make a replacement only anymore but if there's a urethane one out there, personally I'd try them.

 

On my 2001 (F35063), I had Meyles on one side and the Uro on the other. The Meyle was better quality. On the current car (F56714), I have Uros from Rock Auto; been on the car for two years now; the right side knocks, clunks, whatever, when the temperature drops below 30*F. I have new ones that I will put on before it gets cold again. To that point, the URO rear isolators also rattle when it gets cold: two years old, too. Since replacing those is well beyond either my 82 YO butt or at $200/hr that my Indy charges, I may live with the clunk in the rear . . .

But the point HH makes is on the mark: changing these fronts every couple of years is one tenth the price of OEM from JLR, if you can find them. What doesn't work in cold weather is using a press or BFH to install neoprene inserts to replace the orange stuff (hammers in the cold).

Searching for parts on these old cats is getting to be as vigorous a workout as actually doing the repairs . . . Latest search: headlight bulb receptacles (beige plastic: an old english word for powder!). I will give david a call.

 

That's why I make these!
Indestructible!

 

Phobman,
My cat is sitting idle under a nice coating of snow courtesy of Lake Ontario.
Those look like urethane but from the pitcher I can't tell the durometer.
Do you cast these to replace the stock ones that turn to orange dust?
I have a press, is that what I'd need to rebuild my front shock mounts?

 

Yes these are made from a proven flexible polyurethane that I've been putting on the xk8 for nearly 3 years now.
They replace the dissolving ones That URO and others make. You'll never have to do this job again!

 

Phobman,
I happened to see your post about these bushings (pads?) a few posts below this one in the bb.
How do I get ahold of a set and do you have any instructions regarding the disassembly of the OE unit?
I saw one of the replies to your other post claimed mechanical ignorance, something I can't lean on as mechanical engineer (retired) but between your post and the creative Oz mechanic's "how to" post I'm not sure what to expect when I press things apart and then together.
Your tool doesn't look like it would generate too much force so it doesn't look like a huge press should be needed but it looks as if I need a cup to accept the lower washer and stem assembly, a mandrel slightly smaller dia than the stem to push from above for disassembly, and a cup slightly larger than the stem to support the upper washer with a mandrel to push on the lower part of the stem for assembly.
Does that make sense?
I wish I hadn't tossed my old (2 sets in the landfill on my account now, sheesh!) set so I could get a set ready for the time when my Meyles turn to dust.
Knowing these won't go rock hard and squeak and rattle is big plus, something your other customers may be testing more than the one testimonial from the Sunshine state (other post).
I know various people have used poly bushings and had that experience, something I didn't want to repeat.
My situation is a little less stressful as my cat rests for the winter so as not to be exposed to upstate NY salt but she does see some high 20's (F) on early November mornings if the lake is being kind.
Thanks for indulging my querries!

 

They easily pry apart with a crowbar, once you get the top plate moving by holding it in the vise and twisting the body.
I don't have a press so I made this assembly tool. Pm me for payment and shipping details!

 

This works too!