Hi Guys

Shock Absorber Bushes for an XJS V12

Is it better to fit Polyurethane Shock Absorber Bushes or the Rubber OEM?

Also are Polyurethane Bushes Solid with no give in them and approximately how thick are they?

Just a Rough Ball Park figure will do, as I saw a photo of some that looked about an inch tall and was wondering why you need 4 of them.

How are these bushes Set Up?

 

Poly is fine. No real chance of squeakage because of the geometry.
+ is that they will last MUCH longer than OEM.

Go for it!

 

I would go with the new OEM bushings...

 

Me too. This is personal preference, obviously.; but whenever I have fitted non-OEM bushes to any part of the car I have always made the ride worse, or introduced squeaks, or achieved some other undesireable thing, and after a few weeks gone back to OEM. The OEM shock bushes do not deteriorate that quickly, provided, BIG provided, the washer stack is fitted properly and all the required washers are in place. This practically never happens when a garage fits new shocks!!

Mechanically, the point of a compliant bush is to allow an immediate non-impact response to road shocks in the millisecond it takes before the "sticktion" in the shocker is overcome and the suspension system moves to comply. Harder bush, more impact transmitted before the system moves; thus a less refined ride.
Greg

 

I've used various poly bushings on various cars over the years, including some of my Jags. In most cases I've ended up regretting the decision. But some have worked out okay. That is, they were quiet .

Shock bushings are not very hard to replace so a regrettable choice, if that's what it ended up being, wouldn't be particularly painful to rectify. At the other end of the spectrum, though, would be lower control arm bushings....which are very 'labor intensive' (heh heh, I love that expression) to replace. Not a job you'd want to do twice so experimenting would be a bad plan, IMHO.

As I grow older I find myself more strongly drawn to the plan of action that is most likely to have a satisfactory result first time at bat.

I don't see any poly bushings in my future



Cheers
DD

 

I've got PU bushes in my Volvo C30... Wanted a tad sportier ride. But I regret buying them... Just can't be *arsed* to remove them

I would keep with original rubber...

 

It will not cause any problems when you use poly bushes on shock upper mount.
As Agent 00714 says they can't squeak, for they never rotate and just sit there.
The ride will be a little bit harder, and the handling will be a bit, really bit sharper, but I think it's the change that 70 percent people can hardly recognize.

I use poly shock upper bushes on my XJS and once used ones on my X300, they have never caused any problems.
They absolutely lasts longer than OEMs, even longer than rubber ones, if the bushes are made from polyether urethane.
Make sure you are not buying polyester urethane bushes. They will be hydrolyzed in a hot condition and broken down into pieces.

When you use wishbone poly bushes, you may have problems like everyone stated.

 

Its the OEM product that got you here in the first place. Those orange Jag bushes are good for about 20 minutes then the disintegration begins.
If you're opposed to poly, then go with an aftermarket black rubber bush. Heck, you can buy generic ones at your local parts store. They are the same as any Ford rod-shock bushing.
Or... go ahead and use the Jag orange ones. And watch them dissolve before your very eyes.....

I'm just sayin... but from experience.

 

i had bad luck with poly bushes, they split and crumbled, after 1 yr of light use!

good black rubber is my choice.

 

That OEM product lasted 23 years... I would bet that the new OEM bushings are probably better. If not, I'll replace them again. You don't have to be a brain surgeon to replace upper bushings. Heck, even I can do it. LOL.

 

The orange OEM ones last longer then 20 minuets and I only use "them" on my XJ6 and XJS. There is a reason a Jaguar rides like a Jaguar. Part of the equation is the large "foam" OEM bushes. YMMV but I have no problems with them whatsoever.

 

The bushings on a shock absorber have only one function. To isolate metal from metal. The shock, or damper, does the work. It cannot improve or denigrate a "ride quality" unless it is not there.
That said, I personally hesitate putting "foam" bushings in an area of harsh exposure, i.e. under an automobile subjected to severe compression, weather, heat, dirt, flying debris etc.

If you like replacing bushings, which I grant you, in THIS application is easy to do, then by all means, use the sacred Jaguar foam.

I prefer doing a job as few times as possible.

Just my

 

.02

 

Hi Greg

What is the Best Way to fit the New Bushes?

Do I have to remove the Road Wheels and the Shock Absorbers, or Can I just Push their Shafts down from inside the Engine Compartment and do it that way?

 

Your experience is not rare. Many people are discovering that poly does not always last longer than rubber.

 

Hi Guys

Since there were so many replies, I typed out a message to everyone and included Photo's the whole 9 yards!

But when I tried to post it, I got timed out! so when I get the Bushes on, which are NON existent, they are totally worn away, I'll try again.

 

Hi Agent, I was thinking Poly but I see we have a difference of opinion!

 

Hi XJS Fan, I have a Plan!

Stay tuned this could Surprise You!

 

Cheers Doug

I'm hoping they are easy to replace, as I have not done this before.

 

Hi Daim

Thank you for replying, the Bushes are non existent and nowhere to be seen! they have totally worn away!

I hope it won't be a hard job to replace them?