Need Help w/ STR Suspension (Bilstein)
#21
Andrew, stick with the stock CATS struts. Chris of Mina Galleries and Jagbits sell them for $350/each. For some reason, QuartzSTR has a persistant CATS error? Everyone else haven't. The Bilstien "Sport" struts, which mine presently wears, are too soft (inadequate dampening) with the H&R Sport springs.
Last edited by bfsgross; 01-30-2013 at 09:17 PM.
The following 2 users liked this post by bfsgross:
Acemaster5 (01-30-2013),
Panthro (04-08-2016)
#22
Definitely sounds like the damper(s) are blown,
Try and find the absolute lowest price on two new rear CATS dampers, and go with those.
If you absolutely must run non CATS, change all 4 to V8sport and reuse your stock STR springs. you can try mounting your h/r springs, but like bfsgross reports, he finds them 'too soft' in regards to dampening to suit the lowering springs,
Bilstein is a very popular damper in the aftermarket, and there is a lot of motorsports related companies that do extensive bilstein service, including rebuilds and revalving.
You should try and google for 'bilstein rebuilds' and contact a company who could do a CATS damper.
If they can rebuild most bilstein models, it stands to reason the CATS damper can be rebuilt as well. This might be the most economical and best performing way to run the lowering springs on your STR. The downside being your car will be down for a while as they are shipped out and done; be advised,
turn around during the busy motorsports season is NOT fast, this may not be a suitable option for many STR owners, unless you want to ride on cheap non-CATS replacements for a while to hold you over, as the CATS are off the car and shipped out.
Try and find the absolute lowest price on two new rear CATS dampers, and go with those.
If you absolutely must run non CATS, change all 4 to V8sport and reuse your stock STR springs. you can try mounting your h/r springs, but like bfsgross reports, he finds them 'too soft' in regards to dampening to suit the lowering springs,
Bilstein is a very popular damper in the aftermarket, and there is a lot of motorsports related companies that do extensive bilstein service, including rebuilds and revalving.
You should try and google for 'bilstein rebuilds' and contact a company who could do a CATS damper.
If they can rebuild most bilstein models, it stands to reason the CATS damper can be rebuilt as well. This might be the most economical and best performing way to run the lowering springs on your STR. The downside being your car will be down for a while as they are shipped out and done; be advised,
turn around during the busy motorsports season is NOT fast, this may not be a suitable option for many STR owners, unless you want to ride on cheap non-CATS replacements for a while to hold you over, as the CATS are off the car and shipped out.
The following users liked this post:
Acemaster5 (01-30-2013)
#23
Acemaster, stick with the stock CATS struts. Chris of Mina Galleries and Jagbits will sell them for $350/each. For some reason, QuartzSTR has a persistans CATS error? Everyone else haven't. The Bilstien "Sport" struts, which mine presently wears are too soft with the H&R Sport springs.
#24
#25
Ever since Brutal posted the link for rebuilding the CATS struts I have been hoping someone would try it and report back.
Bilstein is the one doing it so I think the original manufacturer would get it right. Still have not heard a price or time other than the CATS are rare enough that yours are rebuilt, no core so you would be without your car that whole time.
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Bilstein is the one doing it so I think the original manufacturer would get it right. Still have not heard a price or time other than the CATS are rare enough that yours are rebuilt, no core so you would be without your car that whole time.
.
.
.
#26
#27
Sounds good guys. Well here's the thing, I might be able to get the left rear strut repaired at no cost. If the job gets authorized, the tech is going to purchase the specific bushing part of the strut assembly to repair, not sure if this is considered a "rebuild". They obviously want to be cost efficient and not buy the whole strut.
At the time of purchase 3 weeks ago, the tech pressed in new bushings for the left and right lower control arms which was needed. Most places advise to get the control arm because of difficulty. They covered cost, but did it economically once again. This tech told me he can order specific parts and "rebuild" almost any assembled components on jags. Only works on high end cars including a lot of jags, so I hope the owner authorizes the work which would be right thing to do. I'll find out the outcome on Monday since the owner is on vacation.
I'll keep you guys posted.
At the time of purchase 3 weeks ago, the tech pressed in new bushings for the left and right lower control arms which was needed. Most places advise to get the control arm because of difficulty. They covered cost, but did it economically once again. This tech told me he can order specific parts and "rebuild" almost any assembled components on jags. Only works on high end cars including a lot of jags, so I hope the owner authorizes the work which would be right thing to do. I'll find out the outcome on Monday since the owner is on vacation.
I'll keep you guys posted.
#28
Eh, rebuilding/replacing the lower mount bushing on the bilstein damper body is one thing and relatively easy, so I'm sure he can do that.
This should solve the issue relating to the CLUNK you're hearing, no doubt.
If your damper is blown internally though, the ride will still be bouncy, although the clunk will be gone.
Taking apart the bilstein damper internally and rebuilding it, is another matter, and I would ask if he is experienced or equipped to perform that kind of overhaul.
This should solve the issue relating to the CLUNK you're hearing, no doubt.
If your damper is blown internally though, the ride will still be bouncy, although the clunk will be gone.
Taking apart the bilstein damper internally and rebuilding it, is another matter, and I would ask if he is experienced or equipped to perform that kind of overhaul.
The following users liked this post:
Acemaster5 (01-31-2013)
#29
#30
Eh, rebuilding/replacing the lower mount bushing on the bilstein damper body is one thing and relatively easy, so I'm sure he can do that.
This should solve the issue relating to the CLUNK you're hearing, no doubt.
If your damper is blown internally though, the ride will still be bouncy, although the clunk will be gone.
Taking apart the bilstein damper internally and rebuilding it, is another matter, and I would ask if he is experienced or equipped to perform that kind of overhaul.
This should solve the issue relating to the CLUNK you're hearing, no doubt.
If your damper is blown internally though, the ride will still be bouncy, although the clunk will be gone.
Taking apart the bilstein damper internally and rebuilding it, is another matter, and I would ask if he is experienced or equipped to perform that kind of overhaul.
#31
#33
#34
#35
I just got off the phone with the owner and he won't cover the costs. Says the car passed inspection and we already replaced bushings and now you come back asking for a strut/pads/rotors. Its a used a car and I am not obligated, car was sold as is etc...I was annoyed and argued but nothing I can do. Anyway, not the end of the world.
Moving forward, I want to change all 4 rotors/pads. I was going to go with Premium Dimpled and Slotted Brake Rotors:
Front Two Rotor Set (Silver) #RS-20024 w/premium semi-metallic pads.
Rear Two Rotor Set (Silver) #RS-20022 w/ premium semi-metallic pads.
http://brakeperformance.com/brake-ro...ake-Rotors.php
Let me know if these will be an improvement for braking performance. Anyone who can chime in, greatly appreciated.
Moving forward, I want to change all 4 rotors/pads. I was going to go with Premium Dimpled and Slotted Brake Rotors:
Front Two Rotor Set (Silver) #RS-20024 w/premium semi-metallic pads.
Rear Two Rotor Set (Silver) #RS-20022 w/ premium semi-metallic pads.
http://brakeperformance.com/brake-ro...ake-Rotors.php
Let me know if these will be an improvement for braking performance. Anyone who can chime in, greatly appreciated.
Last edited by Acemaster5; 02-06-2013 at 10:22 AM.
#36
#37
#38
JagV8 is right.
BUT:
there are OTHER fashion-only accessories on our STR's. Take, for instance, the "spoiler": not functional. aesthetic only. Our cars ARE a fashion statement, to some extent. We like that they LOOK good, in addition to going-good.
It seems a little ironic that we might decide NOT to improve the looks of our Jaguars with a better-looking brake rotor simply because of a couple $$. If we had wanted something without "fashion-accessories", we likely would've bought something other than a Jag, no?
#39
JagV8 is right.
BUT:
there are OTHER fashion-only accessories on our STR's. Take, for instance, the "spoiler": not functional. aesthetic only. Our cars ARE a fashion statement, to some extent. We like that they LOOK good, in addition to going-good.
It seems a little ironic that we might decide NOT to improve the looks of our Jaguars with a better-looking brake rotor simply because of a couple $$. If we had wanted something without "fashion-accessories", we likely would've bought something other than a Jag, no?
BUT:
there are OTHER fashion-only accessories on our STR's. Take, for instance, the "spoiler": not functional. aesthetic only. Our cars ARE a fashion statement, to some extent. We like that they LOOK good, in addition to going-good.
It seems a little ironic that we might decide NOT to improve the looks of our Jaguars with a better-looking brake rotor simply because of a couple $$. If we had wanted something without "fashion-accessories", we likely would've bought something other than a Jag, no?
#40