What are the round black foam rubber thingies that sit on top of the front shock towers? Mine are totally disintegrating and I want to know if they can be easily replaced,if they are important. Also the shock rod? and nut are not centered in the tower. My '01,65k miles. Are these considered part of "upper shock bushings" if there is such a thing?

 

Do you mean the Damper Cover (item11) that covers the top nut:



Original ones were larger and looked about the size of a half tennis ball.

Part Number depends on whether Adaptive Damping is fitted or not. If there's wires coming out of the top of the damper, it's adaptive.

Graham

 

I wonder if he means the shock bushing? The fact that the shock is not centered leads me in that direction.
RJ_____________
97 XK8 85K mi

 

On the diagram there is a soft black round foam rubber that sits in the middle of part #7. I dont see it on this diagram. I also thought that it was part of the upper shock bushing. Where can I find a diagram and/or part number? Because the shock is no longer centered, does that affect my alignment? Thanks for the replies.

 

The confusion might be that there isn't normally a black rubber part in there, the are most often reddish or a cream color.

In any case, the whole #7 is one piece, metal flanges, bolts and the bushing in between.

If the shock bolt is off center then the bushing has likely collapsed and the upper mounts need replaced. They are important and can have an effect on alignment.

Check out this thread if you are interested in the DIY option:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...deo-faq-62122/

 

http://www.partswebsite.com/jaguarpa...95&catid=10023
I think you are looking for #14 in the above illustration.
RJ_____________________
97 XK8 85Kmi