I am replacing both rear shocks with Bilstein units. I have looked at the excellent pictorial sequence of events showing how to do this that have been provided by two of our forum members, but these methods show one discrepancy.

The top mount washer is a cone shaped affair. The Bilstein shocks, when taken from the box, is loosely assembled in what I take to be the normal method of installation. In this case, the point of the cone is facing downwards. This is the method used by UNGN in his sequence of pictures posted 2-19-2016.

However, in the 7-6-2012 post by RaceDiagnostics, the cone shaped washer has the point facing upwards.

In my particular case, having removed one shock yesterday, it had the cone
facing down, as per the pre-assembled out-of-the box Bilstein. This is the position I will use.

I just wanted to get any ideas on this so as to clear up any confusion and to see what difference, if any, may be made to the correct operation of the shock absorbers if the cone washer is placed in either direction.

Many thanks

 

I think I have answered my own question.

I looked through the Jaguar Parts catalogue and it shows the Washer-Upper (P/N CBC 1594) with the cone point facing down.

 

The factory install is to have the washer CONCAVE when viewing from the top. The edges won't 'bite' into the foam bushing.

You will see it installed that way when you remove the originals unless someone has installed it differently.

bob

 

I agree. Just wanted confirmation. Thanks!

 

Yep, "cone up" when I replaced the originals last weekend; installed new Bilstiens same way. I also tried cone down but saw that it would bite into the upper foam bushing so turned it over.

 

Bob is the guru, but does concave comment = cone facing up or down? Maybe I missed something but it appears to me that we have contradictory statements above from some of our best members.

Maybe it is really obvious if the parts are in front of me, but I can't picture it.

This caught my attention because I'll be facing this job soon too.
John

 

The upper foam mount one of my rear shocks had crumbled and the washer was banging on the top of the mount and it was installed correctly at the factory.


I can see how installing one concave down (like a typical shock washer) could accelerate bushing wear.

 

CONCAVE means the the center is farther away than the edges (LIKE A CAVE or CUP).
The upper washer is CONCAVE when viewed from the TOP.

CONVEX would be if the edges of the washer touched the bush around the circumference.

bob

 

Thanks Bob