Here are some pictures of the shock absorber and upper-mounts that I just changed on one of my XK8 (1997). I have a friend that wanted to see them. I have heard others talk about how they disagrate. I had know idea how bad it could be. A picture says a thousand words. And yes the big bang sound in front is now gone ....

 

Thanks, that's very educational!
Brian

 

This is also the #1 reason front camber is off and why alot of shops that dont know jaguars want to put in adjustable bolts...lets just try to fix the problem ok and not bandaid it, we'll all be happier

 

Good point brutal, I was also wondering, do the coils themselves in these cars also start sagging noticably after a certain time, and what is your position on them relating to ride height and camber issues?

 

i have yet in 13 years to really see springs need to be changed from sagging. Usually its the bushings that are the culprits. But you might consider lowering springs and then you will need the eccentric bolts to allow alittle bit of comphensation for the lowered ride height which is what they are for. Not to "fix" damaged or worn parts. Although if I was rebuilding suspension on a high miler say 150k^ I would probobly replace the springs then too. Youde be amazed how "used to" a crappy ride you become when it happens slowly over the years...kinda like a waistline

 

 

Are all the bushings/spring cushions orange?

I think mine are kinda aqua color!

Just curious if color means anything, 99 xk8 coupe.

The more I troll around this site I really don't know very much, but it is very informative and keeps me very sensory when I drive this car.

 

Thanks for the pics and more good info.

 

Thanks to this forum, I realized I needed to have all four shocks and the front two upper shock mounts replaced. My '99 XK suffered from Hawaii's terrible potholes, every time I hit a big bump the beast would sink and sway like my mother's old mid 70's Delta 88! The scraping sound of the tire hitting the wheel well was enough to get me motivated to change the shocks, but the dealer quoted price of $2,800 about gave me a stroke!

Thank goodness for ebay! I found a new set of 4 Bilstein shocks - all for for under $300 including shipping. Front mounts OEM also on ebay for $175 each. Happy happy, joy joy! Having a mechanic across the street to install them for $800 total - priceless!

Anyone wondering if it's worth it - it really is! Change the shocks and mounts and you'll have a new car you'll enjoy driving again.

 

Yah, must be tough living in hawaii Martigre. While he's under there, might as well do the lower shock bushings and the sway bar bushings...they can make some noise (clunks) on bumps. $15 a peice IIRC.