I just had my 02 xkr serviced end to end because it was a new purchase. The mechanic was trying to figure out why the fog lights were not working. As it turns out they were unplugged for some reason.

The mechanics wife told me the car was in a accident or bottomed out really hard because the "bar by the oil cooler was bent fairly bad some time ago" I get my car back tomorrow, but was wondering if anybody ever heard of this or even knows what "bar" she is referring to?

The car rides fine. Feels like the tires may need balancing a wee bit when I hit 75 mph, but overall is smooth. No accidents listed on car fax.

Any insight on what this could be would be appreciated...

 

the power steering cooler line? Its just in front of the oil cooler, loops down a bit near it. Only other 'bar' I can think of is the subframe we use it to lift the front of the car with one jacking point.

 

Just a guess, but it is common for the oil cooler mount to get banged up when the front end bottoms out. It is generally not cause for concern unless the oil cooler itself is damaged.

It is right in front. Jack up the car and post some pictures if you want to be sure.

 

The oil cooler mounts on a bar that runs across the front of the car. When someone noses it into a parking block or steep entry the cooler can get banged up and the tabs on the bracket bent. The rubber mounting bolts can get damaged too.

I did this fix about a week ago. Took the cooler loose, bent the tabs back to strait and replaced all 4 of the rubber bolts. $10 in parts and about 30 minutes.

 

Matching this description, across the front near the Oil Cooler is the Anti Roll Bar (item 1) and the Fulcrum Tie (item 9):



Of these, the Fulcrum Tie is probably more vulnerable to damage if the vehicle is bottomed.

Graham

 

I would of thought it was the mounting bar the cooler is fixed to like Charlie shows..... Not a light weight piece of tubing either, must of taken quite a bang to bend it!