Hi all,

I’m planning to refresh the front suspension components on my X100 XKR in the coming weeks. The car has just over 10,000 miles and, as far as I know, the suspension hasn't been touched since it left the factory.

The original OEM shock mounts (yes from August 2000) are still in place and haven’t visibly shifted, but they’ve definitely collapsed and are now clunking.

• Is there a correct reassembly procedure or tip to prevent or slow the “wandering” of the top shock mount bolt during reinstallation?
  
• Could the orientation of the spring tail influence the position or behavior of the top mount or bolt?
  

I'm hoping to get ahead of any potential issues and appreciate any lessons learned from those who’ve tackled this job before.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

 

The only way to prevent the top shock mount bolt wandering is to use a non-OEM mount designed not to leave room for it to wander. If you simply replace with OEM mounts, then it's the definition of insanity expecting a different outcome.

These are Baxtor's mounts I fitted on mine in the winter, you can see how they fit to avoid movement - I'll report back in 5 years if they are still working as designed, but I think they have a much better chance than the OEM mounts.

 

Spring clocking will not cover for a bad top mount, but if you wish to do it, it won't hurt.
The "top shock mount bolt" is in fact the damper shaft. Very little keeping it centred in the mount as originally designed.

 

First thing to look at is your current OEM set up. By this I mean: Since you have an XKR look at your front springs and see if the Red Paint on the spring faces “outside” of the wheel well (as is the case in my XKR). Then look at the spring tail and see where it rests against the “white” spring seat. This should tell you how you need to “clock” the spring tail after installing new shock mounts ( either Wayne’s or Baxtor’s depending on where you live).