Jaguar XK8 and XKR Parts and Accessories » Troubleshooting

XK8 and XKR Rear Suspension Parts List Now live

daveroche — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:37:15 +0000

XK8 Parts Review - XK8 / XKR Rear Suspension Layout

The rear suspension system of the Jaguar XK8 / XKR is generally working well in service. However, as the car ages, we are starting to hear of some problems with the CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) System cars and the interface with the electrical system not working possibly down to the shock absorber parts rotating and pulling off the connections.

Changing the rear shock absorbers can be difficult with the rear suspension having to be lowered and the required use of a slim spring compressor. The fulcrum pin holding the shock absorber in place may well have corroded and then needs to be cut off with an angle grinder.

However all can be resolved and we are pleased to announce that the rear suspension layout and the associated parts list can be reviewed and purchased via www.jaguarpartsdb.com

To view the XK8 and XKR Rear Suspension Parts Assembly, click HERE www.jaguarpartsdb.com

You may also be interested in our full Jaguar XK8 / XKR Parts Review relating to the common rear suspension problems. Click HERE.

Copywright - Jaguar XK8 and XKR Parts

XK8 PARTS REVIEW Jaguar XK8 and XKR Rear Suspension Issues

daveroche — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:29:33 +0000

XK8 / XKR Parts Review - Rear Suspension Set Up

Introduction

The Jaguar XK8 and XKR Rear Suspension system has generally worked well in service. The assembly and associated parts are based on the proven Jag X300 system which in turn was based on the older Jag XJ40 system. However problems are starting to present which the XK8 / XKR owner needs to be aware of.

CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) System

The introduction of the CATS system was based on the older X300 rear suspension design. CATS manages and optimises the ride and handling of the XK8 / XKR car by means of uprated springs to increase the stiffness and electronic adaptive dampers under electronic control. Sensors at the front and rear of the car monitor the road and handling conditions and alter the electronic dampers to soften or stiffen the dampers. On start up the springs default to a stiffer setting and then under way on a smooth road, will soften. The settings will change in micro settings as braking, cornering and road conditions affect the car.

XK8 / XKR Suspension Problems

If you have a car fitted with CATS and the rear suspension is not working effectively then this can be a problem with the electrical connections from the shock absorber going into the wiring loom. Over time, the shock absorbers can actually rotate in service which may cause the electrical connections to be pulled off. This may necessitate the replacement of the shock absorbers part.

As with some other areas of the XK8 / XKR, changing the rear shock absorber parts is not as easy as it may look. Firstly, the rear suspension needs to be unbolted and lowered several inches. A special thin spring compressor is required to allow the release of the shock absorber from the spring unit. With the spring suitably compressed, the fulcrum pin can be removed which may well have seized in position. If this is the case, due to the severe lack of space in the area and the bottom of the spring compressor obstructing, this will have to be cut off with a small angle grinder

Jaguar XK8 / XKR Parts Review - Fulcrum Pin to the right which may have to be cut off.

To complete the removal of the shock absorbers, the rear tie bar needs to be removed together with the A -Frame safety plate. Also you will need to remove the nuts holding the top plate of the shock absorber spring pan.

These are main problems reported to date.

To view the XK8 and XKR Rear Suspension Parts Assembly, click here www.jaguarpartsdb.com

You may also be interested in our Jaguar XK8 / XKR Parts Review relating to the common front suspension problems.

Copywright - Jaguar XK8 and XKR Parts

XK8 Parts Review, Front Subframe Potential Problem – Warning to XK8 / XKR Owners

daveroche — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:15:08 +0000

As the Jaguar XK8 gets older it’s expected that the front suspension parts will become worn and require replacement. Typically wheel bearings, top and bottom wishbone bushes, springs, shock absorbers ball joints etc will all eventually require replacement.

XK8 Parts Review - Front Suspension / Subframe Problem Warning

However, if your car’s front suspension is making a knocking noise don’t necessarily assume it is caused by one of the above and fork out a pile of cash to replace one or more of these parts. A clonking sound from the front suspension can be a far more serious problem to resolve.

This could be due to the top wishbone bushes seizing to the steel fulcrum pin. The combined seized unit then wearing away at the all aluminium subframe of the car and creating an oval shaped pin hole. When this happens the wheel and the suspension become unstable and tend to float around with the excess play. This will obviously then manifest itself with a deterioration in handling and increased road (clonking) noise.

It is not hard to understand how this can happen when you look at Jaguar’s poor design of the top wishbone / bushes and fulcrum pin assembly and area. At each pin hole end, this is hollowed out and allows water, dirt and salt etc to ingress into the hole and corrode the bush and pin. No protection is provided for the exposed area or in fact Jaguar maintenance advice to periodically clean and protect the area with grease or Waxoyl.

The top front and rear bushes are designed to self lubricate and rotate as required around the fulcrum pin. However, when these become corroded, the combined seized unit then wears way at the alluminium subframe. To make things worse, an electrolytic reaction can take place caused by the steel pin passing through the aluminium subframe and the steel inserts of the bushes.

If the subframe wear is excessive, this may require complete replacement with either a new or good used subframe. A new subframe will be well over £1500 to replace !!. A much lower cost solution would be for an experience motor engineer to add new inserts into the subframe and then replace the pin and two bushes parts. At the time of adding this post to the website I don’t know how successful this latter approach has been.

I have checked my car for play and corrosion in this area and all seems to be working fine. I have fully protected the bushes, pin and general area with Waxoyl. If I do hear a knocking sound from the front suspension, then this will be the first area that I will check !.

Finally, if your having work done to remove the XK8 top wishbone assembly parts then maybe it’s more cost-effective to replace all the bushes and ball joints even springs and shock absorbers at the same time as these will inevitably have to be replaced at some point in the future and the finished job will contribute to improved handling, piece of mind and enjoyment of your car.

For the Jaguar XK8 and XKR Front Suspension Parts Diagram and parts availability, CLICK HERE

XK8 / XKR Front Suspension Parts DB Goes Live

daveroche — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:58:14 +0000

XK8 Parts Review Front Suspension Layout and Parts

The front suspension of an XK8 / XKR is prone to a number of problems. We have already discussed in a previous post that wheel bearings are subject to early wear at around 30K miles. If there is play in the suspension, then this can be attributable to worn bushes. One problem that may arise is due to the top wishbone bushes seizing to the steel fulcrum pin. The combined seized unit then wearing away at the all alloy subframe. Once the subframe is worn, this is very expensive to replace. It is recommended to change the pin and top bushes and then protect the area with a product such as Waxoyl to prevent corrosion. Also, as the mileage of your car increases, then this may result in worn shock absorbers or broken springs. All these parts can be reviewed and purchased via www.jaguarpartsdb.com

Click HERE to view XK8 / XKR Front Suspension Parts at JaguarPartsDB

XK8 Parts Review – Key Fob Availability and Programming

daveroche — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:54:09 +0000

XK8 Parts Review - Programme your Key Fob

If your key fob has been lost, failed or is just looking worn out and the XK8 part needs to be replaced then there is a procedure to be followed to programme the key fob for your XK8 / XKR car. A typical Jaguar Dealership will charge you for the programming procedure, possibly up to half an hour of time. However, the procedure is fairly straightforward as follows:

Pull the headlamp flasher stalk towards you and at the same time, turn the ignition key to position one. Then release the stalk and flash the lamps five times. Press any button on the fob and then turn off the ignition and the fob should be programmed. After five flashes, you should hear a noise from the security sounder and then also a bleep after you press each key on the fob.

Featured Jaguar XK8 / XKR Parts

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You may also be interested in our XK8 / XKR Parts Review on the windows reset procedure - Click Here

Click Here to contact XK8 Parts if you need any further details.

XK8 Parts Review, Noisy Accessory Drivebelt

daveroche — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:38:42 +0000

XK8 / XKR Drivebelt Configuration

Noisy accessory drivebelts seems to have become a common Jaguar XK8 and V8 trait in recent years. This can be due to the general ageing of the belt but also to the belt having been soaked in coolant. Also check the teeth on the inner side of the belt for general deterioration. In my case, I removed the cap of the header tank too early and the long life coolant sprayed all over the engine compartment and onto the drivebelt. Coolant can also soak the belt if you are changing the water pump and / or the thermostat. The only reliable fix is to replace the belt together with the tensioner and a revised idler pulley. This is recommended to ensure a quiet operation. The work is quite straightforward and can all be done as a job on its own or as part of a water pump / thermostat change or general cooling system overhaul.

When purchasing the accessory belt, we recommend the genuine Jaguar XK8 part. If an aftermarket belt is used, it must be exactly the same length or the wear indicator built into the tensioner will not work properly.

XK8 Parts Review: XK8 Misfire

daveroche — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:11:25 +0000

Some weeks back my XK8 experienced uneven running for a short time and then resumed back to normal running. When the misfire occurred, the dashboard displayed – ‘restricted mode’. I have since changed all the spark plugs and initially the car ran well but since then the misfire has returned. With my MK2 and the older Jaguars, it was a question of working backwards from the plug - to the plug cap - to the plug lead and then to the distributor cap (points and rotor arm).

With an XK8 with 8 ignition coils it is not that easy. Therefore, at a loss, I took the car to my local independent Jaguar specialist who then ran their diagnostics on the car and the result was that one of the 8 ignition coils had failed. With my car’s mileage at 90000 miles I decided to replace all 8 of the coils. The ignition coils are readily available (see below) and the job is quite straightforward for the DIY mechanic. My XK8 is now running great. The diagnostic check using the Autologic system really helped save a lot of time, head scratching and potentially costs. These modern Jaguar XK8 / Jaguar XKR cars are generally reliable but with their advanced electronics it makes sense to go to the experts to get the car back running smoothly on all 8 cylinders again.

XK8 / XKR Ignition Coil Replacement Solves XK8 Misfire

XK8 / XKR Parts Part Numbers and Part Availability:

XK8 / XKR Cars Up to Vin 042775

On Plug Ignition Coil – 2 Pin - LCA1510AB
On Plug Ignition Coil – 4 Pin - LNE1510AB

XK8 / XKR Cars from Vin A00083 to A30644

On Plug Ignition Coil – 4 Pin - LNE1510AB

XK8 / XKR Cars from Vin A30645

On Plug Ignition Coil - AJ810445

Latest Jaguar XK8 and XKR Parts Availability

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Jaguar XK8 Parts Post:Window Reset Procedure

daveroche — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:52:37 +0000

Jaguar XK8 / XKR Window Memory Loss

I wanted to quickly add this post as I have just managed to start my Jaguar XK8 after several weeks layup in my garage. However the driver and passenger electric windows have lost their memory due to the battery having lost a lot of charge. In my case due to lack of use of the car but this could also be indicative of a failing battery. If this happens, the windows will retract slightly when a door is opened but won’t shut completely when the door is shut !. This is really frustrating when you come to lock up the car and there is a 1.5 inch gap !! – not great when it’s raining which is often the case here in Scotland therefore I thought I would post up the reset procedure.

Jaguar XK8 / XKR Electric Window Switches

Sitting in the car with the ignition on, press the drivers side window button to the down position and hold until you hear a soft ‘click’. Then press the window button to the up position and hold until the glass has fully sealed at the top of it’s travel and again wait until you hear the soft ‘click’. Repeat the operation with the passenger window.

If you use the car infrequently as I do and as there is a constant drain on the battery of the Jaguar XK8 / XKR, I suggest the use of a battery saver device. If the battery is allowed to fully discharge then there is the risk that the battery will fail completely and not hold power on a recharge. This will even apply to a new battery. This can be frustrating and costly in having to replace the battery.

A quality battery saving device simply attaches to the battery terminals and connects to a mains socket. They will trickle charge your battery and will significantly prolonge the life of it. Also following limied use, your XK8 / XKR will then be ready to burst into life when starting up.

Recommended Jaguar XK8 / XKR parts:

Just in case your battery has failed completely then you will need the size 017 to replace it. Also consider a quality battery saving device. Click Here for our Battery Charger / Conditioner Review.

VARTA F5 (017) MERCEDES/BMW/AUDI/JAGUAR CAR BATTERY

£79.99

2d 4h 14m

017 CAR BATTERY YUASA PRO JAGUAR XJ XJR XJS XJ6 XJ8

£69.95

3d 4h 22m

12V CAR BATTERY TYPE 017 AUDI,JAGUAR,MERCEDES, VOLVO

£62.99

18d 4h 54m

You may also be interested in our post on the XK8 / XKR key fob programming procedure - Click Here