Had one of the aamco guys take a peep at these he says nothing to worry about yet.
Just wanted a second opinion.
Question 1: What are these even called?
Question 2: When should i have these replaced?

 

Those are your front, upper, shock mount bushings. Extremely common on these cars. I may tend to believe that there is some life left in your bushings. I would investigate replacements and plan on replacing in the near future.

 

I disagree. That rubber is dead. This is a easy DIY if you buy the pre-assembled mounts.

 

+1 they are dead. I would plan to replace them as soon as possible to prevent any possible damage from complete failure. There are many threads on replacing them.

 

Agreed. I'd replace at any sign of any serious flaking , cracking, or bits and pieces rubbing off, especially like your first picture shows. Unless the bushing is still solid and pretty much smooth all around, I'd replace them. Even cheaper if you have access to a press or someone with one, that can just swap bushings instead of having to buy the whole assembly.

 

If they aren't clunking you have some time. Can be replaced with poly shock bushings if you have a press or a vice, or the whole assembly can be replaced (an easy job).

When the bushings go you will get clunks when the front wheels go over bumps. Until then, it's really not that dire.

-Mike

 

Anyone have a DIY to link, it would be greatly appreciated I have that as well, no clunks yet. Thanks.

 

Here is a pretty good thread for DIY. Oldmike to some nice photos.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...s-pics-103540/

 

Hmm after researching a bit I think I will replace the whole plate & bushing, to eliminate having to press etc. Plus they're under $50 on E-Bay currently. Awesome info. gents !

 

If these mounts are worn but not to the point of clunking, will there still be a degradation in ride quality? I mean, if they are flaky but don't make any noise and you replace them with new ones, would you likely experience a noticeable improvement?

 

Check Rockauto.com they have the mounts for $38.

 

Replace your sway bar bushings and links too, they are probably as worn as the upper shock bushings by now, your car will ride like new, mine did.

Very inexpensive parts and easy DIY.
Vector

 

Today I made the 60 mile round trip for work for the first time since I installed the new upper shock mounts and sway bar links on my 03 XJR. The ride is much better. I did not replace the sway bar bushings, but I will put that on my list.

My upper shock mounts had a very small amount of flaking but otherwise looked pretty good, as did the sway bar links. They didn't "appear" to be in bad shape, but there is a noticeable improvement in ride with the new ones. I replaced due mainly to their age; glad I did.

By the way -- How do I know if my car has a "sport" suspension or a "comfort" suspension? If I enter my VIN on some of the parts sites to find anti-roll bar bushings it still doesn't specify, it lists both.

 

Have you tried the Ford ETIS link mentioned in the thread below?

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...number-154194/

It actually shows mine to have the comfort suspension.