Hello folks.
I currently have my front adaptive shock off the car ( 1996 xk8 ) as I needed to change the bushing. Has anybody taken them apart to change the oil inside and change the seals or is it not possible?
Also wondering if the rubber boot dust sleeve is meant to be attached to the top mount underside or is it supposed to float free as mine is?

Thanks in advance

 

Can't help you with regard to dismantling the shocks, or if it is indeed possible.

The rubber bellows should wedge into the underside of the upper shock mount. They occasionally flop down to rest on the top of the shock body, as you and I found out. I used a little RTV to help keep them where they belong.

 

Stephen, mostly the early ones didn't have the adaptive (electronically controlled), so that is a surprise.
The original shocks were pretty good, except for the bottom bushings. Easy fix, with it out of the car to do the top ones..
If you don't have any leaks showing, you should be good to go.

 

I talked to bilstein some time ago about rebuilding them. They say it can’t be done because the body of this particular model is crimped together and not screwed together like the serviceable models are.

 

Thank you all once again for your help. I've just finished cleaning them up and respraying them to look new. Pleased with the results. Sad they can't be refurbished but there you go, they still work fine for now. Think I got lucky with this car, a 96, having a few optional extras like this.

Kind Regards
S. Degenkolb

 

Thanks for the tip michealh but unsure what RTV is? Ok, just googled it, is it a silicone sealnt and gasket maker?

 

Room Temperature Vulcanising sealant.

We would call it silicone sealant - sorry.

 

Cheers michaelh, found some on the shelf and now stuck back on.