2002 XK8 convertible

See video attached. I think problem is left front bushing. Noise over every bump sounding like banging together. Could anyone provide any feedback? Is it safe to drive? Can I fix this myself in my garage by taking wheel off or is special equipment needed?

Thanks!

 

Can't view at this time, but have a look at the top of your front shock on the inner fender and look for flacking foam material and the top of the shock stud being off center.
A known issue.
Interesting you don't want anyone to know where you are. Might have been someone near that could have helped.

 

Safe to drive but as Wayne says, you need to check your front upper mounts. There is a solution, at minimum you need spring compressor but definitely DIY if competent.

 

can't view video but was able to hear audio - which had the indicative chirp of failing upper shock mounts as well as some banging - as Wayne said - check the upper shock mounts, sway bar bushings, etc - all diy.

 

Upper shock mounts. Mine sounded just like that.

 

In my case, new sway bar links did the trick. If your problem gets more difficult to pinpoint, I suggest a multi-channel electronic stethoscope. Mine paid for itself the first use, although not on the first try, on a Dodge Charger a few years ago, (about $100 then, I think)

 

I agree just changing out a full suspension. Here is what a bad shock mount looks like compared to a good one. Odd question does the shock bolt in the engine bay supposed to stay centered? Both old and new are off centered. after driving it.

Cheers, Mike

 

I just replaced my front mounts with Baxtor / CJD777 mounts this past Fall. I had checked for concentricity on arrival. One was within 0.03" and the other too small for me to measure. Out of curiosity, I just went out and took a look. While not easy to measure being installed, I could not eyeball any shift.
Being off center as much as the photo appears, I would question if the remounting was tightened without the front end being fully loaded.

 

They should be centered or stay very close over a few years.
To help, jack the car up and loosen the shock bottom bolt and the three on top, roll it around, then torque those to specs while it's on the ground by jacking the car up from the lower A arm, just to get the tire off the ground and put a jack stand under the unibody frame while you get that bottom bolt.
If you are able, remove the bottom bolt and the three top ones, jack the car up, let the shock and spring hang and turn to get the solid part of the spring to the outside at the top. I know, What?
Nothing will give you much longevity with that mount. I might be able to help but we need to talk about that on a PM.

 

I haven't seen the video or listened to it, but if your suspension has never been renewed, I suggest doing all of it instead of going at it piecemeal.

 

I plan to do shock mounts and shocks. Are there any part brands to avoid? Anyone find definitive success with a brand as good or better OEM? Where should I purchase? Any other recommendations for front suspension other than shocks and shock mounts?
thanks!

 

if you are in there working on shocks & shock mounts, you will also need bump stops (MOOG PN: K90460 is equivalent to Jag PN: MJA2150BA also called front spring assistors). Just reuse the OEM rubber accordion sleeve that cover the bump stop. I purchased Bilstein shocks as have others. For the upper mounts, reach out to @baxtor or @cjd777 as they have developed a robust solution. If you go with Welsh poly or Uro upper mounts, plan to redo again within 12-18 months. I would check the upper A-arm bushings, sway bar bushings, sway bar end links and ball joints. Upper ball joint is easy replacement, while lower is a PITA but doable as a diy. You can use OEM bushings - check with forum sponsors SNG Barratts, JagBits (check for forum member discounts) or hit local dealer or indie. If you want to go poly, I went with Powerflex for all my bushings

 

Thank you

 

l have sent you a PM a little while ago.