Replacing a Rear parking sensor

[andypryce]

The sensors are pushed in from the outside, so theoretically if you can get to it and apply pressure from behind you should be able to push it out. Assuming you can then reach the connector a replacement should be a simple push fit, I would think.

[ng4xjs]

Thanks for that Andy - I'm working up to giving it a go.

Nick

[ng4xjs]

Hi Andy - I'm up for this. Have a new sensor and have taken the time and trouble to properly prepare and paint. On examination the sensor doesn't appear to be able to be pushed in from the outside as it has a collar as well as a unidirectional connector which will need to be correctly orientated. I'm beginning to think it is a bumper cover off job. Out of curiosity did talk with people I know and trust at my local main dealer and their opinion is that it can be done. Just need to become ambidextrous (thought I would add a modern car to my fleet for simplicity and ease of maintenance )
Happy Days
Nick

[andypryce]

Sorry Nick, I meant pushed outward from the inside, but obviously only possible if you can get your hand behind and apply enough pressure. Maybe it is a bumper off job...

[ng4xjs]

Thanks Andy - Do you reckon there is enough slack in the loom to get to the connector from the outside? Would certainly make life easier. I'm determined to give it a go. Just working up the courage.
Nick

[andypryce]

Now that I am not sure about, but (guessing), if the sensor will push out from behind, then you would hope the connector is not far behind it. At any rate, if all else fails the bumper removal is still an option, though I have no experience of that on the XJS..

[Astromorg]

The sensor is pushed in from the outside and then a spring is passed over the sensor from the inside, followed by the collar mentioned by Nick earlier and then the connector. With a nice new car doing the job without removing the bumper may be possible, but I don't bother when I'm going in there. It will be quicker to take the bumper off.

The whole rear bumper assembly is held on by only two substantial, vertical bolts that can be seen directly above the exhaust tail pipes.

First though, remove the two mini wheel arch liners - one plastic nut and then manoeuvre the (sometimes resistant) inside edge forward to release.

Then remove the bolts (the bumper will stay in position) and, with a soft covering on the ground for protection, pull the bumper assembly straight back to release the sliding arrangement on each side just in front of the wheels. Lower to the ground.

Putting it back can be tricky on your own when trying to line up those sliding things! An assistant can guide one side in at a time as as you push the whole bumper into place, one side at a time

While you have the bumper off, check out the adjustable bumper mounting points. Being of an aluminum like alloy they can corrode alarmingly, but often buff up well and will benefit from a thick protective layer of Waxoyl. Note the amount of screw thread showing so you can put it back to original position.

If you;re unlucky enough to find the captive nuts for the bolts are rotating, there are ways to work around that, but not easy

[ng4xjs]

Thanks Astromorg much appreciated. I'm looking at my X150 which as far as I know has a very different set up from the XK8 in terms of a retaining spring. Still new to the variant, so finding my feet a bit.

Many thanks
Nick

[ng4xjs]

After all that. Bumper off and offending sensor replaced. Straightforward in the end (if time consuming). It's so nice to have them working again (but takes all the fun out of parking).

Nick

[Andy P]

Well done Nick.
It is nice when everything is working as it should.
Take care.
Andy

[ng4xjs]

Thanks Andy - Apologies for my delay getting back to you.
Nick