cats suspension

[jagstag]

1997 xk8 i want to change my shocks to normal shocks as all the bushes are gone how do i get ride of the error message on dash ,im also looking to buy a code reader which one can you recommend ?

[mike020150]

Removing the CATS shockers and replacing them with standard non CATS items will make a big difference to ride quality (much harder) so ensure you are prepared for the difference or consider replacing only the bushes. Certain features on the car can only be turned on and off by garages equipped with the Jaguar Diagnostics system and some feature options are only available at factory level. Being unsure which category your proposed action would fall into, I suggest you should check first with one of our diagnostic experts ( David Marks or XJK Garages) who should be able to give you a definitive answer.
There are lots of code readers to choose from. The cheapest readers only interpret the basic codes common to all OBD equipped cars. More expensive versions designed specifically for Jaguars cost more, all the way up to commercial systems. The choice of reader really depends what you expect it to do. If it's for simple stuff, like checking lambda sensors, a cheap reader will suffice. If you want to interrogate the Jaguar-specific airbag system, you will need expensive equipment. FWIW, for simple tasks, I use a PLX Devices reader which connects via Bluetooth to my mobile where I have a TorquePro app to record and interpret the readings. Mike.

[jagstag]

thanks for the info il hopefully just get away with changing the bushes ,i have been working and building old jags in the past so a xk8 is modern to me (had it two weeks) so i have to learn to use a code reader thanks for you help john

[J44EAG]

I`ve just changed a set of K8 damper bushes for my Portsmouth Region Hon Sec.

having measured to depth of the old bush insertion, ie distance between the outside faces of the bush and the location tube on the base of the damper, we recorded the dimensions on the damper with an indelible marker pen.

Three bushes required between 1.5-2 tons pressure applied on my bench press. The fourth was more obstinate and required gentle mild heat from a hot air blower and 4.5 tons of pressure to be applied before we saw the first signs of movement. It moved with a hell of a crack and a shower of rust dust! We removed the old rubber gaiters to give us more working space for a press mandrel which in this case was a socket sized to give clearance within the bottom location tube welded to the damper.

When fitting the new bushes we deburred the damper location tubes and improved the entry lead on the new bushes. We also removed the dust/grease gaiters and securing spring clips again to give us more working space and avoid any possible damage to the gaiters whilst fitting.

We used a little copper grease to reduce friction when fitting the new bushes which we placed in the freezer for a few hours to make a little smaller by contraction. Having cleaned up the tubes, lightly greased each bush, we used the bench press again. The bushes slid in to the location tubes with comparative ease and dimensions of insert where reapplied from dimensions taken before we removed the old bushes. Gaiters and spring clips were then put back on the new bushes. Job, jobbed. The bench press made easy work of the change. We did try my mandrel and screw thread bush extractor/removal kit but corrosion within the tubes and outer bush kit was significant enough to have to bring "Brutus The Bench Press" into action.

If you do need new dampers either CATS or standard type, I can recommend buying from Rexbo.de or Telle Haber (a sister company) in Germany via the internet. Rexbo sell Bistein standard B4, 30% uprated gas mono-tube B6, short piston B8 for lowering springs or CATS dampers. I recently bought two new dampers from this source and saved £130 including VAT and carriage when compared to buying from UK sources. Payment was in Euros which is currently at 1.39. Expect to do any transaction around 0.05 difference which I suspect is due to the difference in buy and sell currency valuation. Delivery from these guys takes about ten days unless express delivery is requested.

Mike K