Spacers discovered during shock mount replacements
#1
Spacers discovered during shock mount replacements
I was having an clunking sound coming from the front end suspension and it was discovered that the bushings between the right shock mount had withered away. You can easily tell just by removing the black caps located under the hood just above each wheel well.
Well anyway, I ordered the part for $101 from partsgeek and they arrived in two days! Thats the cheapest I found them and they are not a replacement kit but the actual whole shock mount part new! Anyway - I got them installed at a local mechanic shop but was suprised when he informed me that he had found homemade Spacers underneathe the shock mounts which heighten the front end of the car. I wonder why the previous owner had these installed? Anyway - the end result is that the front end was lowered about 1 inch and a quarter. Here are the before and after photo. The top one is the before, (taken on the first day I got the car so it was night; sorry) and the after photo was taken today. I think that the front end lowered makes the car look a bit more sporty.. Just FYI for those of you guys considering it or perhaps have ran into the same thing..
Well anyway, I ordered the part for $101 from partsgeek and they arrived in two days! Thats the cheapest I found them and they are not a replacement kit but the actual whole shock mount part new! Anyway - I got them installed at a local mechanic shop but was suprised when he informed me that he had found homemade Spacers underneathe the shock mounts which heighten the front end of the car. I wonder why the previous owner had these installed? Anyway - the end result is that the front end was lowered about 1 inch and a quarter. Here are the before and after photo. The top one is the before, (taken on the first day I got the car so it was night; sorry) and the after photo was taken today. I think that the front end lowered makes the car look a bit more sporty.. Just FYI for those of you guys considering it or perhaps have ran into the same thing..
#2
The spacers were added probably to compensate for collapsed upper shock mounts, or perhaps to gain additional front-end ground clearance. Now that you have restored the front suspension geometry, be sure to have your front alignment checked as your toe setting is going to be off.
BTW, where in the Valley are you? I'm on the Island.
-John
BTW, where in the Valley are you? I'm on the Island.
-John
#3
The spacers were added probably to compensate for collapsed upper shock mounts, or perhaps to gain additional front-end ground clearance. Now that you have restored the front suspension geometry, be sure to have your front alignment checked as your toe setting is going to be off.
BTW, where in the Valley are you? I'm on the Island.
-John
BTW, where in the Valley are you? I'm on the Island.
-John
#4
No, the dealer does not have to do the alignment; no special tools are required. An independent Jag mechanic in Harlingen told me he has Pueblo Tire do them for him when the need arises. There are several stores out your way. BTW, a new Jag dealership just opened in San Juan, if you decide to go that route. Good luck!
-John
-John
#5
What does good vs bad look like for the upper shock mounts? I have the "clunk" and it could be this. I got the black caps off easy, and the orange foam (rubber) looks intact, though not fantastic condition. Does that mean it's OK?
I have lurked here for years, used this site 1,000 times to diagnose and fix things, but first time I have posted!
Thanks all. Steve
I have lurked here for years, used this site 1,000 times to diagnose and fix things, but first time I have posted!
Thanks all. Steve
#7
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#9
As far as the caps go I seen alot members on this board that don't have the caps on. I don't think that it effects the wear & tear on the mounts. Jaguars are just notorious for shock mounts going bad. My next suspension repair will be the ball joint on the lower control arm. The bushings on those also go bad. Found them on eBay for $56.00. This however requires a press to took off the old ones.
Just for fyi - Firestone has a lifetime wheel alignment for $159.00 for those in need.
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al_roethlisberger
XJ XJ6 / XJR6 ( X300 )
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09-11-2015 10:04 PM
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