Even at slow speeds you can hear a thud from the rear suspension. It sounds very similar to the sound that came from the front suspension before I replaced the front shock mounts. My first thought was the rear axle bump stops. When I inspected them they looked to be in pretty good shape. Replace them anyway? Any other ideas as to what the noise could be?

Not sure if this shows up but the car is an 2001 XK8.

 

I had similar with mine, turned out to be the rear shock lower bushes, changed these and the noise disappeared.

 

I wouldn't expect the suspension to hit the bump stops unless your shocks are completely dead, or you've found some really bad roads.

Lower shock bushings seem to be the first things to go out at the rear. It is possible to change them without dismantling the rear suspension:- see this thread by ragtopXKR:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...1/#post2218978

It could also be the upper foam mounts, although these seem to be less prone to degrading than the fronts.

 

As others have said, probably your lower shock bushings....

 

Thanks a ton.

 

I appreciate your advice and link.

 

mine too

 

You may have already solved your particular issue with shock bushes but another source of rear suspension noises worth mentioning is failed 'A' Frame Bushes (RH arrowed in red):





When these go it allows metal to metal contact with thudding over bumps.

Graham