I have two xj40īs. a 1992 and a 1993. The 93 is making noise from the back when it goes over bumps or potholes, of which there are plenty where I live. Also when I press down on the back end of the car it bounces up and down repeatedly making me think that it needs new shocks.
The question in the parts books is if it has self levelling ride or not. In fact the haynes book states that Jaguar recommends retrofitting self levelling ride with conventional shocks and closing off the system with a kit that they sell.
I have not yet had the car checked by a mechanic or up in the air. The 1992 has a power steering reservoir that is large and square with the cap in one corner and a dipstick to read the level. It indicates that castrol mineral oil is required. This car is riding fine, however.
The 1993, while smooth on decent roads is making a knocking sound over bumps and potholes. The power steering reservoir is triangular in shape. Itīs much smaller than that of the 1992, has no dipstick, and it indicates dexron II oil should be used.
Should I assume that the 1992 has the self levelling ride and that the 1993 has conventional shocks?

 

I'm not sure about Jaguars, but other manufactures will tell you the standard and optional features your car was built with if you provide them the VIN.

Might be worth a trip or call to you local dealer.

 

The base models in '92 came fitted with a conventional suspension. The Soverigns and VDP came with the self-leveling suspension (nightmare). We replaced many of those with the conventional suspension with Jaguar picking up the tab. All 93's came with a conventional suspension.

 

The 92 originally came with self leveling shocks for sure. The 93, it was an option. You will have to look at the top of the shocks for hydraulic lines or check for a bleeder valve on one of the shocks. I believe it's the driver's side, but not for sure. Most 93 models did not have them if memory serves correct.

 

Thanks for the info. I figured from the size of the power steering tank that the 1992 had the self levelling ride. Or at least had it. I donīt know if it is connected. The car rides great so thereīs no worry there now. I let it speed up to 100mph yesterday and couldnīt believe how smooth the car is. It felt like I was going 60mph and wasnīt even breathing hard.

I got a look underneath at the 1993 and thereīs definitely conventional shocks there. The only problem I have is that with the noise the shock is making it may have a bad top plate so I better get that before I install the shocks because thereīs no way to tell without removing the shock.

Thanks again for the help.

panza
1985 XJ6
1992 XJ40 Sovereign
1993 XJ40 Sovereign
2002 S type 4.0
2004 Lincoln LS
????? next

 

I had a loud banging noise on mine as well (1989) but it was a completely rotted bushing and on the front. If they used the same type of bushings front and rear on these it wouldn't surprise me in the least if that was your problem.

The slef leveling tank on the 89 is located in the front near the headlight on the passenger side.

 

Iīll order the top plate for the rear shock on the 1993 in case thatīs a problem. It may just be the worn out shock though as there is very little force left in them.

Now I was getting worried about the 1992 that I have. The last owner was terrific and had every piece of paper on the car going back to the beginning. I was wondering if he had problems with the self levelling ride.

I just looked through his invoices and he did bring the car in for rear suspension repairs. There was a hydraulic fluid leak. The shop replaced the rear shocks with the factory kit and it has conventional shocks installed now. His cost for that work was $825. Another thank you for that guy. He let me buy the car for $2000 with only 79K miles on it and he had put $700 in tires and $825 in rear shocks on it recently.

What a relief.

 

It's very good for you and I also appreciate your thoughts on the seller as well