98 XK8 - suspension issues

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Jun 16, 2011 | 12:44 AM

#21

xenophobe

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From: Mtn View, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by gears

I have my 3rd XK8 now. And on all of them you can expect at some point and time, often as early as 30k miles and definately by about 50k miles to do the front end complete. What I mean by that, replace all controll arm bushes (like one said all the rubber), and I mean upper and lower control arm, replace ball joints, upper and lower, (no, you don't need to bey a new control arm, you can press them out and press the new ones in. There are instructions around here somewhere, I have done it, ask if you need help).

My 97 appears to have the original factory bushings. At 147k miles, they're still solid and there are no tears or deterioration. One mechanic told me I should change them... I took them to my current 'shop' to have my guy examine them. He told me they were fine and not to waste my money. Then again, I think I got lucky with my 97.

Jun 16, 2011 | 10:43 AM

#22

Smixon

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Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 20

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From: Texas

Anyone know a "secret" way to get in touch with a human being at partsgeek? I placed an order yesterday for next day delivery and have not been able to get confirmation on anything. Starting to get really aggravated with their set up - auto email responses, no response to faxed messages and a phone loop that never rings to a real person.

I sure prefer to buy locally and actually get the product in my hot little hands....this whole online purchasing deal often chaps my a$$.

Sorry - needed to vent a little bit!

S

Jun 16, 2011 | 11:37 AM

#23

H20boy

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From: Oak Ridge, TN

1-800-541-9352, order placed before 3pm EST Scott? (thats 2pm our time

) That's the cutoff for overnight and 2nd day orders to be shipped out on time.

Jun 20, 2011 | 10:30 AM

#24

Smixon

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From: Texas

Suspension update: upper mounts and shocks replaced in front on Saturday - SQUEAK GONE! Looks like I'm going to have to do lower a-arm bushings in the near future but didn't have the parts when I had it taken apart. Oh well, another Saturday in the garage isn't the worst thing to have to deal with.

Thanks for all the help and instruction

SM

Jul 13, 2011 | 03:03 PM

#25

OldManWithWrench

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Joined: Apr 2011

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From: Jamison PA

xk8 Upper Bushing Clean Out The Cylinders

A word of caution... I spent an extra couple of hours trying to fit the arms back on before I realized debris inside the old arms was blocking the new busihngs from seating properly. Take the time to clean out the rust before installing new bushings.

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98 XK8 - suspension issues-control-arm-bushings.jpg

Jul 15, 2011 | 06:20 PM

#26

H20boy

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From: Oak Ridge, TN

nice tip old man! I don't miss rust on my cars being down here.

Jul 17, 2011 | 09:25 AM

#27

tberg

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Joined: Apr 2011

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From: Los Angeles

Had the same problems you described when I first bought my XKR last year. Changed all the suspension bushings, ball joints, etc., and shocks, and had great improvement, and no more bone jarring thumps over the smallest pavement imperfections. Not the cheapest repair, but definitely one that will change your driving enjoyment (as well as your initial disappointment in the ride) immediately.