Hello to all, my 2001 XKR has 96000 miles on it and for the most part I have not replaced anything on suspension except a control arm and the rear Cats shocks(found out they did not really need changing).

Anyway my point to this thread is that I know very little to nothing about suspensions. I would like and very much appreciate those in the know to give me a list of things that should be changed on the suspension to bring it back to specifications.

At this point I have no specific complaint but at 96K I think I should pay attention to the suspension. I do have some squeaks when I go over speed bumps and the car feels quite abrupt when hit a rough spot in road, but I think the cars are known for rough rides.

I know it is asking a lot but a list and any part numbers and best place to buy the parts would be very nice. I do not want to walk into a mechanic and be without clue and give them carte blanche, if you know what I mean.

Hopefully I can find a mechanic that knows his stuff and I can supply the parts and pay him hourly rate. I assume that is best way to go?

Also if anyone knows good people in the Phx AZ. Area for this type of work that would be good as well. I assume suspension work on a Jaguar is pretty much the same as other higher end cars, so I do not need Jaguar specific mechanic? Right or wrong?
Also I love to learn if anyone wants a good helper while doing suspension work, I would be very willing to pay and help( as long as it does not actually
cost more because I help).

Well thanks in advance for any guidance and info you can/will supply.

And remember
Happy Motoring...

 

There isn't anything too unusual or difficult about the suspension if you have the right tools. Ball joints will require a press, for example.

The only thing that you might say is specialist is the rear camber adjustment. Not that it is difficult, but it is done with shims that only a Jaguar specialist is likely to have.

There are polyurethane options for the bushings. Personally I like the tighter feel, but some people don't care for them. One advantage may be that poly should hold up better in the hot Phoenix weather.

Most of the parts are more in the replace as needed category, but the hot weather isn't kind to the rubber parts so, if you haven't changed any of the bushings along the way, then it is likely that at least some are due. What comes to mind as possibly in need of replacement:

Front:

1. Shocks
2. Spring seats (they don't come with the shocks)
3. Upper shock mounts
4. Lower Control arm bushings (front and rear)
5. Lower ball joints
6. Upper Control arm bushings
7. Upper ball joints
8. Sway bar bushings
9. Sway bar end links

Rear:

1. Shocks
2. Rear spring isolator
3. Sway bar bushes
4. Sway bar end links
5. Panhard bar bushes
6. Rear beam bushes

 

Thank you very much Charlie.
I appreciate your time and effort.

 

Great list by the way.

I would add the bump stops to the front end list (not sure if they are required on the rear). Sometimes these come with the gaiters, but not usually. They are made out of the same material as the shock mounts so they do wear out.

 

Good one, I forgot about those. Also not a bad idea to replace the shock boots on the front.

There are some rear suspension bushings for the lower control arms but I'm not sure if there is a reasonable way to change those without dropping the rear cradle out of the car and dismantling everything.