HI Guys, My 2003 XK8 has done but 71000miles & runs like a swiss watch but the rear suspension has been giving me grief. I just finished installing a couple of new shock absorbers from Barrets in uk but the clunking continues??? I know these cars have a sports or hard ride but this clunking is not acceptable even though our roads in south australia are absolutely shocking. anyone got any suggestions please. Mike

 

Sounds a lot like lower shock bushes. Did you replace them when you installed the new shocks?

 

Yessir sure did , the new shocks come with all bushes complete, the only item not included is the large rubber bush that supports the upper dish/cap

 

I actually replaced a lower bush in the right hand rear suspension on the old shock, was quite difficult but made up a special tool as per one of the jag threads. also replaced all rubber bushes & top bush, this did not improve the clunking so that's when I bought the correct shocks from Barrets & installed them . Clunking is still there unfortunately so at a bit of a loss Mike

 

Can you hear the clunk if you bounce the rear of the car? If so, then have someone else bounce the rear of the car while you hold each shock which hopefully will pinpoint where the clunk is originating from. Are you sure it's emanating from the suspension and not the rear diff?

 

Have you replaced the rear sway bar bushings and links? Some info about that is here.

 

StuG,

not sure your idea came across as intended? I don't think you suggested he stick his hand on the shock, therefore through the spring rungs while someone bounces on the bumper did you?

where would he safely hold a shock for this? Its late. if I missed something obvious excuse me.

let me know if I missed something, thanks.
John

 

Lower shock mount, maybe.. I'm taking massive amounts of prescription drugs at the moment. Just thought that perhaps Mike could feel the clunk as well as hear it.

 

Thanks for all that, I did bounce on the rear of car both sides but it does feel firm & no clunk is evident. Could get a heavier body to try while I inspect. I have not changed the other bushes mentioned but to be honest they all look in good order. When I dismantled the springs & old shocks all the bolts were easy to move & just a small amount of light rust which I removed with wet & dry on my lathe. All spring went back into correct position & as indicated brand new shocks bought through Barrets in uk ( correct for my model) were installed. It is almost as if there is not enough weight bearing on the rear suspension, no noise from diff etc. B""" annoying Mike

 

Tks I will have a good look at these bushes that ae easy to replace I'd say but would they clunk? the noise is definatetly from both left & right in vicinity of shocks!!

 

a bit more info, this clunking is only on rough roads, on a smooth road , particularly at speed , no clunking at all.

 

Don't discount that it might be your exhaust system bumping into things on your rough roads. They do 'float' after all.

Also make sure it isn't your spare tire bouncing around, or your Jack bag.

 

Tks mhminnich. for the heads up but I am certain it isn't any of those as this is emanating from both rear sides at the wheel area. I might take it to people who have expertise in shocks/suspension. the jag dealer I get it serviced at are sort of half interested but no effort made to source the problem. Being an aircraft engineer myself I am used to nutting out weird problems so I expected these guys to be of same mind.DOH!!

 

Have you checked the "A" Frame bushes? These are a regular fail.




I was going to change your thread title to Rear Suspension - clunking but thought you may not then be able to find it.

Graham

 

Mike,
Your second post says that you did NOT change the large rubber bushing at the top of the shocks... I did this same repair and the upper bushings was the source of my "cluncking"..... better check them.
Mike in TN

 

wks, that might b the problem but they did look pretty good when I inspected them

 

tks to you too, I can check them as easy to replace cheers. very helpful diag