'99 XK8, 49.5k mi., shock tower mounts have deteriorated badly. Are the ones SNG sell, the 'no brainer' ones, to go with? Also, with those relatively low miles, should I be replacing any lower bushings or part(s) while doing this?

My car tracks straight, true & smooth as it sits!!!


Also, not being an expert, will the car need a new front end alignment, afterwards?


My budget is tight, but would sacrifice some if the bushings should just 'matter of factly' need replacing. My immediate concern is to avoid ruining brand new Michelins put on just 600mi ago.


Many thanks,


frank

 

Just completed complete suspension rebuild on my 1999 xk8 with 70000 on the clock, bottom bushings still looked ok top bushings had started to wear and shock mounts were toast. Check your bottom shock bushings mine were really bad You would be wise to get an allignment when completed. I got my shock mounts from parts geek they had pretty good prices. hope this helps walter.

 

Just my 2 cents:
With a 99 the age is more realavent than the miles. Rubber parts deteriorate and Jaguar OEM rubber parts seen to go out quicker than most.

SNG parts are great, you can also price shop at Rock Auto. For around $100 more per side you can replace the shocks which will get you new lower bushings at the same time. As you will be pulling the upper wishbone to remove the springs to change the upper mount the upper bushings are fairly inexpensive also.

Might as well do it all at one time and be done!

 

You absolutely need an alignment after replacing the top shock mount. Worn mounts lower ride height, which affects camber, and camber will affect toe

 

Hey Frank,
Here's a couple pics of what's in store, if you pull the shocks to replace the mounts you should also get the rubber isolator and boot, check yours first but most are pretty worn. You will also need a press or have one you can access, some of these are pretty stiff to get out. While the bushings wear so do the ball joints ;-( so as ones said while your there. Good luck

 

Frank, the upper mounts definitely, and the upper wishbone bushings are not too expensive. You will have the upper wishbone apart, so not a bad idea. The lower shock mount boots may be bad, but at 92K mi my lower shock mounts were good, so check them first. If they are bad just replace the shocks, which come with new bushings.

The lower wishbone bushes are not a easy dyi, and are expensive to replace, so check them carefully.

Replace the sway bar bushings. They are inexpensive and almost always worn, but the links may be okay.

 

can buy a rebuild kit from motorcars ltd for the shock mounts if time allows remove the shock and see if the shock itself is still ok bushing wise not a bad idea to replace the upper wishbone bushings at the same time as it will be apart also available from motorcars ltd . can rent a spring compressor from any wholesale autoparts place for free just a deposit required . mostly grunt work replacing the mount then rebuild it and reinstall. when assembling make sure you hold the top shaft in place while tightening the nut down I didn't and had a mysterious rattle for 2 months till I read somewhere here to check that. for the wishbone uppers I used a c clamp to press in the bushings also buy a longish bolt to use as a pilot to place on the opposite side of the wishbone when reinstalling the shims they are 3 and 1 on each side I believe remove past the front bushing and get the shim to drop and place aside so you know which shims go where. there are 2 thick and 2 thin on each side... believe its 2 thick and one thin on back drivers side and 1 thin in front and reverse for passanger side 1 thin in rear and the 2 thick and 1 thin in front... can look that up on the forum also. also an extra pair of hands for guiding the shock out and back in may help. theres also youtube video if you look for it on the removal and installition .