The lower front shock bushing looks disintegrated. Are these bushings pressed in or will I be able to remove and replace myself? Since I am doing the wishbone bushings I thought I would do these also.
The car is making a banging noise when I roll over a speed bump or uneven surface. I'm not sure which set of bushings could be the culprit.

Has anyone replaced the lower front shock bushings? My XKR is a 2001 with 82K on the clock.

thanks

Gary

2001 XKR Convertible

 

Those aren't rubber bushings in the traditional sense. I thought they were perished on my son's 01 XKR during strut shock mount replacement, but discovered they are actually more like a heim joint.

 

im suspecting its the upper shock mounts
inspect them if you remove the shock also rather than replace the bushing just replace the whole shock seeing as you are replacing the upper control arm bushings also the shock probably is past its prime . can rebuild the upper shock mounts

 

get the old shock out rent a spring compressor from orielys (free just leave a deposit ) disassemble the shock , rebuild the upper mounts and reassemble or bring to a shop and have them do it... compressing the shock is a lot harder for final assembley

 

Gary, The shock bushings in this country are more expensive than the shock, or you can order them from England for $40 a pair. If you can wait. You will have to take the whole strut out to get to the bushing, so replacing the shock is really a better solution. Now check the bushing between the mount.
The upper control arm bushings are a little different and you should read up on the spacers and of the four bushings the wider end goes on the outside, small width goes next to the mount with the spacers.


Wayne

 

You can test the lower bush by cupping it in your hand as someone bounces the wing, if you can feel movement it needs to be replaced. It is tricky to replace while in place but if you have the top arm off the it is easier.


No special tools are needed.


I pounded out the old bush with a socket first.





Then polished up one of the collars to used to push in the new bush.





To push in the lower bush its best to take off the boot first, I then stuck them in the freezer for an hour.




I pushed the new bush in using the old sleeve in a vice, I had to also use another spacer on the other side to get the bush all the way in.




Its easier to use a hook like this to get to boot securing clips back into place.

 

Guys, he has a XKR so the shock replacement gets quite pricey with adaptive dampening (a note for those asking about xk8 vs xkr). I replaced my bushings on the front and yes they can be pressed out and in, I did them myself but you can drop into your local indie and he'd do them, prob take 15 mins. Ditto checking the top mounts they are probably shot, but it all comes out when you remove the shock (I wouldn't try pressing lower bushing with it in car). I bought a full set (powerflex) but I didn't think the lower was that $$ when I got mine 2 years ago.

 

Jamdmyers, See if you can find were you got the lower shock bushing for the front, as I a Gus would like to know. The lowers are $130 from a few places in the US. You said you got powerflex, do you remember where. I'll look around.


Wayne

 

try welsh enterprises they show them for 46 dollars .Welsh Enterprises, Inc - Jaguar XK8 / XKR (97-06) Front Suspension Parts

part # MJA2153AB i believe

 

I used the powerflex bushings for the other points, (this was a while ago) but I need to check my paperwork since the bushings aren't listed on the PF website. I use SNG a bit and see the following, I'll verify with my paperwork when I'm in my office.

Update: I got mine through http://britishparts.co.uk/t/jaguar/j...pension?page=2 All in all much cheaper than new adaptive shock replacement.

 

RaceDiagnostics

A big thank you for the instructions replacing the lower shock bush. Made it possible even for me.
Now waiting for milder weather to put the assembly back in the car. It's been down to -20C, and then my garage is cold.: icon_toast:

 

Hi Oyster,
I replaced my LH front lower shock bush, top mount assy and bump stop last weekend on my 98 XK8 coupe. Interestingly, I was in the opposite climate to your good self, in North Queensland, Auzz @ 36C and 90% humidity, so I won't complain......!!

I had a knocking sound from the front the LH front side when the leg extended over a shallow gully and thought it was my top mount. It turned out to be the bump stop, as per the photo. Fortunately I had ordered all three parts before I started the job, so although not stuffed, I replaced the top mount too while in there. I've only recently purchased the car, but almost certain it was the original mount.
Interestingly though, I jacked up the RH side with the normal car jack and notice that you can inspect the bump stop quite easily to check for condition, which on my showed this one too is of the same condition i.e. U/S and will be replaced shortly, along with lower bush and top mount. This should put them all to bed for many years, which is my general philosophy....do it once and do it right. The main point of my post though is don't discount the BUMP stops too quickly and they probably the easiest things to check.
The post by RaceDiagnosticswas helpful and will assist me when replacing RH side lower bush, so thanks

 

Hi XKJoe.


Interesting you should mention the bump stops. Mine were completely worn out as yours.
After replacing lower shock bushes, upper spring pans and bump stops, I gained about 1,5 to 2,0 cm in ride height.
Also replaced anti-roll bar bushes and links. Feels more tight all together.


Old bump stops:

 

I just ordered a pair of lower shock bushings on ebay for 55.00 usd . all the jaguar parts houses are real over priced