Hi Forum,

Lately I have experienced a slight rougher ride, as in not as smooth as normal. Bumps in road are more noticeable and road vibrations are felt through steering wheel and pedals.

Is this a sign of shock absorbers/dampers needs to be changed or are there other rubber bushings or similar that needs attention?

Any suggestions are very welcome. Thanks a lot in advance.

Sovereign XJ 4.0 1998.

 

Tire pressure change would be my 1st check.

 

Well, it could be either. The suspension system as a whole is tuned quite carefully, so any worn component can affect the ride quality.

The best way to proceed is to carefully evaluate all the suspension components for wear. Split and cracking bushings, play in balljoints, leaking / worn dampers, and so on.

On my 2002 XJR with 135K miles, just about everything was done. Bushes, balljoints, shocks, it was all worn out.

 

If it is a sudden change, look for something changing tire balance -- lost weight; winter, ice buildup; pads completely worn. If it has been getting worse over a longer period, the upper shock mounts and ball joints.

Any abnormal tire wear?

 

ball joints would be my guess....... had mine done recently and the ride is now, how can i put it, more "exact". I have the sports suspension so the general ride is on the firm side.
Is there any uneven tyre wear (mine were starting to wear on the insides)...?

 

Hi,


No abnormal tire wear, and it has happened over time.


Guess I will add ball joints, gaskets and dampers for spring maintenance.


Thanks group for all replies.

 

You didn't mention how many miles are on the car.

Front upper shock bushings, front and rear sway bar bushing and links.

Changing these on my 76K mile 2001 XJR transformed the ride and only cost about $200 or less in parts. Easy DIY too.
Vector

 

Be sure to check the spindle/hub bearings also.
You'll need to lift the front wheels off the ground a little then grab the bottom of the tire and put your palm on the top and try to rock it. That will give you a possible indication of either the bearing or upper or lower ball joint.
Then do similar at the 3 and 9 o'clock, that will indicate possible tie rod, bad rack or control arm bushings.