Rear dampers replacement

[rogermgreen]

2001 XKR 81000miles. Severe and varied rattling from somewhere in the rear has developed after a 1400 mile trip in Ireland over some quite rough roads.
I am advised by my local independent specialist that it's probably rear shockers that need replacing but he can't guarantee the noise will disappear!
Q. An estimate of £1300 including Jaguar parts - a fair price? Grange of Swindon wouldn't wouldn't quote without seeing the car for "a health check".
Q. How, apart from the noise, does one tell that the dampers need changing? The ride and handling seems absolutely normal and tyre wear perfect. Could it just be the bottom end bushes, and if so would it be worth just changing them or should I just get on and change the lot?
Q. Is it necessary to change both dampers - it seems impossible to tell which side is making the noise.
Q. The rear dampers were last replaced 15000 miles ago - is this normal wear? They are black and not green fitted by Marshalls of Peterborough - curious why they are a different colour when I presume they are standard Jag fit.

Any thoughts and advice would be much appreciated

Roger G

[Brakebuster]

first of all , the noise could be anything,

secondly , HOW MUCH !!!!!!!! ,

yes, always change dampers in pairs , it give predictable handling and equal wear ,

if they are only 15k miles old, then i would be very suspect that its these causing the issues

i would be looking at the rear and front anti roll bar links , and other mounting point, hell, it could be the exhaust mount .

i have a worn mount to my radiator on my '40, and sometimes it sounds like the front suspension is going to fall out , and its just a rattling radiator ,

i would pay a few hundred ( at most ) and have an independent health check carried out if you are unable to do any inspections yourself,

or you could drive it to me in Gloucester and i can spend a little time looking over her ,

BB

[mike020150]

The rear dampers (especially CATS versions) can develop internal rattles which, usually, can only be heard consistently at low speeds (up to about 20mph). Less consistent rattles from dampers tend to be down to the damper bushes (bearings in Jaguar parlance). However, BB is absolutely right. Get a proper diagnosis before replacing dampers in the hope of curing the problem. A broken exhaust mount or similar would be a lot cheaper to cure! Mike.

[rogermgreen]

Thanks to both BB and Mike

Sorry, I should have made it clearer, the independent did a thorough ramp check including all bushes and appendages but frustratingly couldn't come to a specific conclusion. I certainly don't want the work done unless it's certain the shocks are the culprit but it seems difficult to be sure. And yes they come in at about £300+ new with a recent Jag mod for a cage on the CATS version. I will revisit the costings and try for a second opinion.
The noise is as you mention Mike, very clear at low speeds.

Again thanks
RG

[mikeanson]

Did you get your rear shocks changed? I have a noise from one of mine - CATS type too, so none to cheap! Just wondered how you got on.