78 year old Healey/MG lover graduated to a gentlemen’s sports car, an 08 xk convertable. Still like to fix things so just a simple question for someone who has been there.
Front upper control arm needs to be replaced, fairly obvious. Also the shock tower is covered with bits of foam. Car is a driver so what parts on hand to finish in a day. Question - should i purchase both a mount and an insulator? Will i need a spring compressor?
using this forum i found a control arm by Motorcraft,mcsoe38, for 20% of dealer price. Hope that works out.
Any help on other parts source and type will be appreciated.
Aloha,
jeff

 

Post a picture of the ‘bits of foam’, not sure where exactly you’re seeing them.
If you do decide to replace the isolator, and you’re talking about the spring compressors you can borrow from an auto parts store, you’ll need two sets (pairs). A single set will not compress the spring far enough. Compress with the first set as far as you can, then use the second set on the now exposed gaps in the spring at the top and bottom to do additional compression.
(Compression is done after you remove the strut from the car. No need to compress on the car.)

 

Awhile ago some new member posted pictures of "foam" on top of the strut towers. It was actually deteriorated isolator material.

 

Hey Jeff, I'm also an XK owner in Honolulu,

The upper control arms are shared parts with many other cars and can be had for under $100

The spring isolators AKA upper strut mounts are shared with the XJ and XJR part # (C2D51875, C2P3209, C2P22948)

I also need to change these exact parts, do you need a hand?

 

 

Sounds good. Let’s talk. Can I leave a phone number here?

 

Well that looks gross. As Cee Jay stated above, your isolators probably deteriorated.

 

Picture posted! Not too tech smart. Hope you see it. Thanks Kj.
J

 

You need the isolator and the mount. I did mine a couple of months ago. I have pictures just been lazy about writing the whole project up and posting it. You will also need a T60 torx bit.

 

Jeff,

Your isolators are rotted. $80 each from Jag. $10 each from china. To replace the isolators and mounts, a pro needs to take the strut assembly apart. Don't do this if you've never done it before. The spring can kill you as it releases. Follow the repair manual, or hire someone.

Panthera

 

Good advise. Thank you very much
jeff

 

Ay Crumba

 

Just posted the repair I did. Here:

Front Strut Leak? - Page 2 - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum