www.jec.org.uk

I have a 4 Yr old XKR convertable. The rear shock absorbers are having to be replaced every 6 to 8 thousand miles because the bushes are braking down. The dealer tells me this is a common fault. Is that right? are we all suffering this problem? The repairs are being done under warrant as the shocks are always less than a year old, but it is very annoying. Is there no modification?
Any ideas please.
Thanks
John

Hi, just had mine done under warranty, at least I managed 14000 miles. Speaking to the Tech and asking the same question he said there is no mod they just replace the shockers. Left me wondering if aftermarket ones might include better bushes. I don`t know. Anybody the wiser.

I'm quoting from jaglovers not personal experience but it appears that some aftermarket shocks don't have spherical bushes at the bottom end of the shock. This puts extra lateral load on the shock resulting in wear or fracture of the rod at the top. It's made worse by them using stiffer bushes at the top too because the shock doesn't sit vertically in the top mounting cup. The originals in earlier xk8s were Bilsteins. I can't tell you if it's the same for XKRs or later models. The Boge replacements apparently had a stiff rubber lower bush and failed quickly although I've seen it said that they have subsequently modified them.

Regards
John

How do you get to the rear top mounting points of the dampers on a drop head XK8? Fuel tank out ??

I have access to just the lower bushes on the shocks which are considerably cheaper than the whole shock ring me on 07988 613963 if you would like some or even would like them fitted. thanks

Jagtech, unfortunately I am over in NI, so can't use your expertise. My rear shocks are starting to make noise (a bit like something rattling in the boot against the car structure when hitting bumps). Have been told that I can get away with replacing just the bushes. Is it true it would be a 4 hour job? Sounds a bit extreme to me.

the booked time is 2.9 hrs an experienced tech will replace them in 2hrs i would shop around. not all dealerships will replace just the bushes the part number of the bush you require is CCC6782.
Good luck