I have this clunking noise from my rear shock and suspect it is the top bushings. Just to know the difficulty level of the job; would I have to remove the whole spring and damper assembly in order to replace these bushings? Or is it possible to remove the damper (shock absorber) without have to remove the spring?


Grateful for your response.

 

http://jaguar.blackonyx.net/tech/rearshocks.pdf ...as always, thanks to blackonyx's detailed explanations.

 

Short version, yes. There's really no way to get to the upper mount without dropping the whole assembly. If you don't have access to a suitable spring compressor that will allow enough room, the other option is to drop the rear subframe assembly (a dozen-some-odd bolts). I've had to do it twice, can be done in a couple hours easily barring any unforeseen miserably stubborn bolts or something.

 

This has been covered many times recently on this and the XK8 forum. Motorcaman just removes the four bolts at the bottom of the differential, then forces the plate down with a bar until the spring and shock can be removed. Make sure the half shaft universals are clear.

I used this method just a month ago and it only took me 1 1/2 hrs to remove both shocks.

I would suggest replacing the shocks, as the new ones are less than $100 on line and include the upper and lower mounts, which are also likely bad. You should also replace the foam spring isolater while it's apart.