Hi guys. Got a question a long with some info. Our 99 XJ8 is in need of a new front shock mount. Originally I thought it was just the shock, I changed the shock (will upload how-to video later), which helped, but the main problem is the shcok mount. The rubber/ foam-type bushing is worn down just enough to give me some horrible clunking on every little bump. I've seen that I can replace the whole mount easy enough for about $300, but I have some other idea first. 1st there is just enough space to fill the gap by squeezing some other material in there and then tightening down the top nut. I practiced the theory with an old cotton rag earlier and it actually worked pretty well. Didn't stop clunking on big bumps, but stop all the little ones. I'm wondering if anyone else has tried anything like this with success before? Second, I see kits for $100 on ebay that supposedly work, but not sure how/ if its worth it. I have no problem spending the $300 if I have to, but If I can save $200-$300 and get the same results I think it might be worth a try. Just don't want to buy one of these ebay kits only to find out that I have to spend $300 on the whole mount after the fact. Any ideas or opinions? I'll post a video tonight or tomorrow. I too a video as I replaced the shock and then after I ghetto-rigged my mount and took it for a ride. Thanks guys.

 

I'm sure you can get the upper bush kits instead of the whole mount, this is what we buy in the UK. It's a common problem, the kits are the way to go. One of our sponsors should see you right.
I'd not use a pair of knickers wrapped round it though, or a stocking on the supercharger!

Hope this helps.

 

Swick: Put your wallet away. Unless your upper mount is rusted away, which it doesn't sound like. All you need is an upper bushing kit, comes with four bushings, washers, and nuts. Welsh Ent. has them for about 85.00 PN: MNC-2168-69-K 1-800-875-5247, or Ken @ Motorcars Ltd. for about the same price. Ordered mine, have yet to install. Enjoy.

 

I would be interested on how you get on. They say you need a press to replace the bushings?

 

Thanks Rae, yeah I've been seeing these on ebay, hoping someone whose installed them can offer some feedback. Do you know how to get them on? I'm wondering if I have to cut the old one off and maybe the new bushing is cut to put it done and tighten down?

 

Dan R & Swick: A valid question Dan. I opened up the pkg and read the very brief instructions. It would appear you do need to remove the upper mount housing/bracket from the car and indeed, they say to use a press to remove and install new bushings. No cutting required Swick. Would defeat the purpose of having a sound new one in place. I may be naive here, but I can't see why a work around can't be had somewhere in ones garage, I'm on the road for the next three weeks, but I will get to this ASAP and give update when I do accomplish. I figured it would be like all other cars, where you just swap out top rubber mounts as if they were washers. Foolish me.

 

I replace those with motorcars kit all the time. Yes i use a press to pop them apart, but really a b.f.h. Will do the same all you need is the 10mm bolt for driving apart. I then line the metal pieces up and tap them back together by hand with small hammer and put the mounts back on the car.

 

Is there a step-by-step somewhere here in the forum? I too had presumed it was like American cars, just thick rubber washers. How much of the car do you have to disassemble to get at these?

 

You just unbolt the metal mounts and shock bolts and take everything up and out from the engine bay. 10mm bolts and 17mm nut on the shock stem

 

Ouch, not too bad but I just bought a set from Coventry West for $100, not $85 but still far less than the $300 plus per side from the dealer I suppose.

Swick, hopefully your subframe bushings aren't blown out, they are on my XJR and will probably be doing them next week.

 

Hello JF could you tell me is this a subframe mount bushing? because they are both torn really bad...causing nasty clunks and the steering is causing to pull hard on the road. i was going to replace the front shocks figure ill tackle everything while im there..and if i do replace do I need an alignment aGAIN?

THANKS AGAIN jf YOUR ROCK!!!!

 

Jimmy those are not your subframe mounts, but the lower control arm bushings. They will cause your alignment to be out while you drive and wear out your tires even if the car is in perfect alignment. And yes you need an alignment when youre done.

 

yes my alignment is shot I recently did them 8 months ago.I noticed my outer tire wearing out..along with drifting while steering and the vibration at high speeds in the rear and front .I have a feeling the rear might need changing I notice play on my driver side rear. .
I decided to go with PowerflexUSA lower control arm bushings I prefer stiffer rides and control.
I hope I did good..is there a DIY forum on this one anywhere here?

thx Brutal your always on top and again Thank you JF!

 

Ok, so to revise an old thread, I haven't gotten to the suspension yet, but plan on doing it this month, possibly next week. And yes I think I'm going to need to do the subframe bushings while I'm at it. How did you do?

Also wondering, does anyone have any video on this job yet? Thanks.

 

Heres the video I took when I changed the shock:

‪XJ8 change shocks‬‏ - YouTube

 

Cool, I just ordered my new front shocks. I will be checking into using alternative bushings so I didnt order a poly kit for motivation. I am also going to do my coolant expansion tank and all 3 tubes while I am at it. I know those suckers are going to break. Thanks for the video.

 

Good luck. I just wound up buying a whole new shock mount. It literally took less than 10 minutes to swap, my one complaint is that the lower hole on the new mount did not line up perfectly, but I just tightened up the remaing bolts real good and left that one out. I'm sure I could have sent it back for an exchange but once its on its not going any where. I may have ordered it from rocketauto.com, I don't remember off the top of my head, but pretty sure it was less than $300, and fully assemebled with top and bottom bushings. I know guys on here talk about doing it with after market bushing for $100, but I'm just glad to have it done, and seriously, it took less than 10 minutes, that in itself is worth the extra money to me.

 

Swick, at 11:12 into your video you point to the bushings. Both of mine on my 98 XJR look just like yours. I have two questions for the experts...

Can those be ordered and replaced by a novice? Do they have to be replaced while there is no weight on the front tires?

Thanks in advance,
-David.

 

^^ Good questions. I just found some poly bushings laying around the shop that I may be able to machine into the right shape.

 

yes, and if you get the poly bushing kit from say motorcarsltd, it litterally takes not even 10 more min to replace them in the original mounts once taken off. Yes you kinda need a press to pop them out, but you dont to put them in. Just a few taps with a hammer to seat. Then reinstall the upper mounts on the car