My car has just hit 100,000 miles. I had just started developing a pop in the suspension. Sounds like its coming from the rear and happens when I first pull forward and then again when I first back up. I have not noticed it when going over speed bumps or at any other time.

I am going to replace the shocks/struts and bushings all around. Start with the back (2) first and then do the front later. I have gone and found all the parts individually (Bilstein w/the basic bushings) and individually all the rest. It's getting expensive buying them separate. Does anyone offer a good quality kit at a little better price?

 

Although a complete bushing and shocks replacement will make a huge difference to feel and handling, it is (as you have found) expensive.

From your description of the 'pop' happening ONLY as you take up drive either forwards or in reverse but NOT over bumps then rather than shocks and associated bushes, I'd suspect:

1. failed A Frame bushes
2. propshaft coupling or centre bearing
3. halfshafts

It's worth some further investigation to eliminate these before going for the big $$$ fix of all bushes and shocks. You could still be left with the 'pop' after that if it's coming from the driveline.

Graham

 

XCrosswindsX, I'm with Graham, sounds like something in the drive shaft area. U-joints should have been greased on a regular basics, but not many shops know they have a fitting for grease. That would be my first check. Be prepared for brute force, those bolts are torqued tight, they must have had Jon on that job. The shocks at the rear are a little different and that would be a good time to get them done. Jon and I did his wife's and there is a write up somewhere on the two different methods we tried. I will see if I can find it. The top mount has to wired to the spring which are held with spring compressors.




Here you go. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-124179/page4/


Good luck, Wayne

 

Wow. I want to thank everyone for the helpful advise. This is going to be my next project in my 100,000 mile servicing of this vehicle. I am hoping that by the time I am through this jag will ride and run well for another 70,000 miles before I will need any other service work. (Besides oil changes and grease jobs) I will certainly do the recommended things first and let you know how all turns out.

Sounds like if I have to do the rear shocks its going to more difficult than I am expecting. I have (2) sons and both are licensed mechanics. Maybe its time to call them in for a home visit and by the way, while they are here ........... he he he

 

You are hoping for 70,000 miles of hassle-free driving with nothing but oil changes? Sorry CrossWinds but I'm laughing so hard I have to stop typing for a minute or so and regain my composure....

Seriously, I wish you all the best. Wayne and I did my wife's 2006 XK8's rear shocks last October. It's a time-consuming job and having multiple sets of spring compressors is a must. Access to air tools sure helps. I got a good deal on the appropriate Bilstein shocks and upper shock mounts from FCP Euro. Check 'em out before you pull the trigger anywhere else....

 

You should also check the transmission mount, the bolt tends to strip from the rubber and makes that drive/reverse popping sound. Easy to check.
Support the transmission.
Good luck on the rear end refurb.