Front Suspension Parts
 

Hey all,


been awhile since I have actually logged on...I've been browsing the site off and on incognito..:)


Anyway...I have decided to tackle the front suspension on my 2000 XKR and was hoping one of you could save me some time and trouble by suggesting exactly what I should replace. Now...granted...that depends...what's really bad under there..?


What I am looking for from all of you is really a MUST replace type of thing. So...if you wanted your car to drive like new...what would you replace.?


Bushings...Shocks...Tie Rods...etc...and hopefully you all can direct me to parts I need. But...let's keep the prices realistic...in other words...I don't want to know where to find those Gold Plated Shocks you've always wanted for your car. This is not a MONEY IS NO OBJECT type of repairing I want to do...LOL


Obviously once I start tearing things apart I may find other things to fix...:)


Any help is greatly appreciated.

Perhaps it would be helpful if you listed the reasons why the vehicle needs such work and describe the conditions you feel make the ride quality poor or unstable.

Is there currently tyre wear? If so, is it front or rear?

Photos, if possible, are also great.

What goes bad are the upper spring perch/shock mount foam and the lower shock bushing.

These are the Must replace items. The Uppers are about $160/pair off E-bay, lower shock bushings are about 30% of brand new Bilstein Shocks (if you don't have CATS), so most opt for New shocks at $100/each shipped.

The rest of the parts can be replaced based on condition:

Ball joints - check for torn boots - looseness -$40 each + $150 each to remove/install

Upper/lower Wishbone Bushings - check for deterioration/slop - $40 each X 4 each/side - DYI

Inner/outer tie rods - check for torn boots - looseness, slop - can you turn
jacked up tire and the steering wheel not move? - $40 each side DIY

Swaybar bushing - is the passenger side bushing still there? $15 - DYI

Wheel Bearings - do they howl/grind and does the noise change when you change lanes? $35 Each + $150 - $200 Remove install

I would add the upper control arm bushings as well.

Normally I'd wouldn't consider these part of "preventative maintenance", but I had mine fail catastrophically and ruined a pair of tires before I knew anything was wrong. Actually, it wasn't until I saw the outrageous wear on the inner thread that I inspected the suspension and saw that one of the bushings "had left the building" completely.

I'm not sure about the rest though. I think many of the other things can just wait until they give notice that there starting to go. If crisp handling is important to you, I think I've heard that replacing the vertical links and/or bushings on the sway bar can make a difference.

If ya can't do it yourself I would take it to a shop that works on European cars, no a Jag dealer (more costly) and ask them to give you a "state of the suspension" look see.

"But...let's keep the prices realistic" that can be a task at times with these cars. ha ha

Like the Rear Suspension. :icon_lol:

Ride quality deteriorates gradually so it's almost imperceptible. I've only once had the opportunity to test a 2005 Coupe with normal wear against the same model with a full set of replaced bushes and dampers all round - amazing difference.

Graham

Thanks everyone...I appreciate all the great advice. I will be doing this work myself...so I should save a butt load I'm sure...:)


Just figured since I am refurbishing other areas ma as well tackle the front suspension.


By the Way....just posted another thread....I need a Driver's Seat Lower Seat Pan....the 2 front seat pan brackets broke..??? Welds just broke..? weird...I'm not a heavy guy...but who know's who else has driven it before me..? The guy I purchased it from was about my size.

I would also suggest springs, my 02 @ 55 k miles were pretty relaxed and since you'll need to take the old off to replace shock mount do it now.

I think changing the Coil Springs is a good idea...however I'm not sure I want to drop $300 on springs right now. Cheapest I've found for mine - Part#JLM20706