I recently had the upper control arm bushing replaced on my 2000 XK8. During the 4 wheel alignment I was told that I needed "rear alignment shims." My local Jaguar dealership didn't know what they were talking about.
Thanks for any insight you may have on this matter.

 

Rear shims on Jags are used to correct camber (the top of the tire leaning in or away from the center of the car) by spacing the axle shaft in or out from the drive flange at the differential. Typically unnecessary unless considerable spring sag, bushing and/or bearing wear, accident damage, etc. has occured. Even then, the root cause should be addressed before adding/subtracting shims takes place.

 

Forget it unless its more than -1.5

 

I have had several 4 wheel alignments on my XK8 and I was told that several adjustments needed alignment shims, but it was not bad enough to go through the extra work.

When they checked the tires, they did not see any unusual wear & tear.

 

I had the rear lowering springs installed and it lowered the rear by 30mm. Ride is much better. Now trying to determine if I need shims or an alignment. No uneven tire wear or road noise. The ride is awesome.

 

Where did you get the rear springs from? $$?

 

Adamesh in the UK. Approx. $200 for rear springs only. Dealer installed them for me.

 

Sent them an email, waiting to hear back. How did your ride improve?

 

There are a lot of ruts here where I live. Changing lanes at high speeds was nerving to say the least even with two hands on the wheel. That feeling has diminished. Also, when going over bumps there isn't a prolonged bouncy feeling either. It looks much better as well.

 

Sounds like you did the right thing. They wrote back, offered me the same deal, so looks like I'll be getting them too. Mine rides and handles ok, I'm mainly doing it for aesthetics I guess, but I bet I'll notice some differences afterward and like it more too.

 

+1. I have some rear alignment issues as well, with minor camber wear. I'll need a new set of shoes in a bit, and will look at the bearings and bushings then to see if it helps the camber issue. Mainly to help prolong tire life. The negative camber isn't hurting ride at all- a little more twitchy but excellent response. The alignment shop "recommended" shims, but dealer said they hardly ever do them and to essentially ignore the fix unless I REALLY was bothered. I'm not 2k bothered, that's for sure.

 

Ps- one more thing though. The fact that your dealer was ignorant on what rear alignment shims were seems to call their expertise into question. I look for my trusty mechanic to educate me, not the other way round!