I have just started replacing my front shocks on my XK8. I have new shocks and new upper shock mounts. But when I took the wheel off to get started I realize the corregated boot was a little more than just the corregated part. It has a fitting in the top that no longer fits snug around the shinny shaft. I don't have a new one, or two, of these fittings. Is it really important to replace the plastic part? I've got the car all jacked up and ready to pull parts. I hardly ever drive the car in bad weather. What is the opinon of my Jag friends?

Thanks guys.

 

EZ, sorry but it will be a delay on your installation as this is a very important part of the system. It's not water and salt but dirt and small rocks hitting the shaft these boots stop. The shaft is polished and for a reason, sealing the rubber rings at the top of the shock. That's how you can tell if a shock goes bad by having a leak, big old puddle under it.
If you have that much deterioration on the boot, you might want to order new stop blocks that ride up and down inside the boot.

Wayne

 

+1 I'm with Wayne, replace them.

I have new Bilsteins in the garage waiting on the coils, shock mounts and misc. parts to be delivered. Unlike the shock mounts, the gaiters (boots) are easy to find and not expensive. Under $20 each from SNG Barratt.

I bought the bump stops (also recommended) as well. Some suppliers sell them together, so be sure and check.

I also bought the coil seats which is overkill, but that way I can assemble the new shocks and coils beforehand, pull out the old unit and install the new one all at once. Otherwise you have to disassemble the old set to get the parts you need to finish the new set.

 

I just got the upper mounts today from Coventry West. They are very thick and rubber looks very hard and are almost white. Is this a good set? Or will it ride like a rock after this.? The rubber appears very hard.

Thanks guys. I'll order the boots and boot stopper today.

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...t_bellows.html

What about these parts for the boot and stopper?

 

I haven't heard of anyone who said the rubber shock mounts were stiff. Usually that comes more with the poly versions, although they last much longer.

Remember this piece of rubber is responsible for 1/4 of the nearly 2 tons of Jag...while it is bouncing up and down. You don't want it spongy.

Surely someone on the forum has used Coventry mounts and can comment.