Sorry for all the posts and problems. My 2000 XJ8 seems to be problematic, but actually the stuff that has had to be done to it is really just stuff that wears out. Anyhow, when I run over certain bumps and what not you can hear a thump, thump from the wheel. With the hood open you can see the top of the shock. It looks like the orange rubber there has deteriorated. Does that mean I need new shocks or is that rubber piece something else?

Blaze

 

That is the shock bushing. Leave car on ground and unbolt the nut on top of shock then unbolt the plate. Comes as assembley. Not cheap.

 

Also replace stabilizer rubber and endoinks.

 

My 95 XJ6 did the exact same thing. I had new front shocks installed at the dealer and when I got it back it did the same thing. I found out later that they never replaced the bushings. I went to an auto parts store and bought shock bushings for about 7.00 total and installed them myself. No more problems. I would try this first as it is a cheap fix. If your shock bushings are just the standard rubber doughnuts. I never saw bushings just rot away like the jag bushings before! I would get something that's not hard though as I was told that hard bushings can damage the shocks but either way the problem will go away if it's the bushings. I'm sure that a local can install them for you if need be for a reasonable price.

 

shocks are likely not problem. Thats why I suggested the upper bushings - visibly deteriorated. The front stabilizer bushings and the bar end links are very easy. The lowers on the XJ I do not recommend doing on your own. If the spring comes out it can kill you. Leave that and shocks to the dealer.

 

Yea, I agree the shocks are a little tougher. Are they still just standard shocks or did they change to struts?

 

It is the upper shock mount bushing. When I was doing brakes I noticed the crinkly, accordian looking thing that goes over the shock isnt even stuck at the top now. The rubber has seperated and it has fell down. This has started crapping out in just 600 miles. I guess once they start it doesnt take long.

I seen where a Jaguar dealer is selling a kit where you can replace the rubber pieces and not the whole assembly.

Blaze

 

Standard shocks...but we use a special tool to keep the springs in the car. When you unbolt the shocks....the spring tends to fly out of the car....lol

Blaze, how about a link to the bushings?

 

Let me know what you think about these.

http://www.coventrywest.com/Jaguar/newprods.htm

 

We tried to press bushings into a plate.....it didn't go well. I cannot speak for that product. Looks like if they press in correctly, then they should be ok. The plate doesn't fail....just the bushing. If you try one, let me know how it works out.

 

Im going to try a set. I guess its worth a try, I cannot beleive they want 277.00 for just that plate and some rubber. Sure isnt as high as the hood ornament though, LOL.

Blaze