From rear area going over certain bumps, manhole blocks at speed. You can hear it when you got the windows down. Also at times when you put the car into drive on a flat surface when parked. It sounds like a creak or loud cricket, but not as loud putting it into gear.

Mechanic has even ridden in trunk and he thinks it seems to be coming from left rear, but he can't pinpoint the sucker. He's checked gas cover assmbly, purge control valve, tank, cover, exhaust, shocks, radio, taillights, decklid, nothing. We're stumped.

2000 XKR
123k ml

 

As a self-help methodology, since these cars are aging, I am replacing the upper shock rear bushes, and have the shocks tested. Are there any spring-end bushings on the rears?

The model year has non-CATS suspension.

Mike,

2000
XKR
Phoenix Red

 

Now you've eliminated the rear shocks as a possible source of the 'metal or rubber' noise, you should check the Rear Subframe Bushes (circled in red):





These are pressed into the rear subframe and can cause all kinds of odd creaks and groans when they start to break up:

Graham

 

AFAIK, all U.S. Spec XKRs have CATS as Standard Equipment.

 

Which part number is that 13 "Monostrut" or on that goes on top of it? And how hard would it be to replace that once you remove the spring?

Thanks Paul.

 

Paul,

Your quote AFAIK, all U.S. Spec XKRs have CATS as Standard Equipment.

In another post you said there is a wire going into the shock tower under the hood, how many wires on each side should there be? Will the black rubber boot still be near it?

Mike

 

It is a simple solenoid that changes the valving so only two wires to each shock.

 

Paul,

Appreciate your help, in the pic with the circle in red. With the sway bar carrier-11, would the part in that picture near extreme left 12 and 13, would those bolts carry any bushings? I can't tell.

Mike

And how do you 'lectronically "thank" a responder who answers a question in a post Paul?

 

Figured it out the Thanks. Graham.

Mike.

 

Mike,

An alternative to OE Jaguar suspension bushes is Powerflex. Whilst you may not wish to use these, their parts diagram for the XK8 is useful to show the location and identity of the bushes:



Powerflex is a popular upgrade with members. Advantage is they last longer. Disadvantage is a slightly harsher ride.

Graham

 

Replaced pair of innder rear sway bar bushes, the pair of powerflex pressed 7's (main body mounting bushing), and the pair of upper strut mountings and added the rubber pad insulators above each strut to hide road noise and the squeak is gone.

The original bushings were in pretty bad shape. The fronts had been replaced already.

Thanks

V/r

Mike

 

Mike,

Great result.
Thanks for posting about the successful outcome and replacement part details.

I've added 'RESOLVED' to your thread title to help others in future searching for an answer to the same issue.

Graham