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

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.

Jaguar XK8 and XKR Parts

XK8 and XKR Parts Review – Engine Parts Now Live on JaguarpartsDB

A lot has been written about the early Jaguar XK8 Engines and the problems with Nikasil bores which affected some cars causing degradation of the bores and then loss of compression. This would eventually result in engine failure.

Consequently, many XK8 / XKR early engines have been replaced. The steel lined bores of the post 2000 model and onward year cars overcame this problem. Several years ago XK8 / XKR engine rebuilding services certainly in the UK were non existent and good used post 2000 engines few and far between. The solution was to obtain a new engine replacement from Jaguar costing anything between £3000 and £5000 plus fitting !!. Now there are various XK8 engineering specialists who can rebuild the engines at much reasonable cost and to a high standard. There are often good used XK8 engines available from accident damaged cars.

There are still a few engine problems that the XK8 / XKR owner needs to sort out. These relate to the replacement of the old plastic type secondary tensioners and chains and possibly the need to also change the primary tensioner and chain. If you have a pre 2001 car and the tensioners have not been changed then we would strongly recommend it as a precautionary measure. Depending on the mileage you may also want to change these on a post 2001 car but if your mileage is relatively low, just replace the top tensioners and chains and leave the bottom primary tensioner and chain. Some owners will just want to have all these components parts changed for complete piece of mind.

The recently launched engine section of JaguarpartsDB.com provides a good source of supply covering all these areas, engine rebuilding services, used engines (subject to availability), timing chain / tensioner kits and all the other engine parts you will need to keep your great Jaguar XK8 / XKR engine purring.

XK8 and XKR Parts

XK8 Parts Review Sports Exhaust System with large Oval Tail Pipe finishers / trims

The standard XK8 / XKR exhaust system has been criticised for being too quiet, but in practice the Jaguar light grade stainless steel system has lasted well in service. However with early cars now over 16 years old, it will be time to consider renewing the exhausts system. Problem is, the cost to replace the standard system would be in excess of £800 + VAT using original Jaguar XK8 / XKR parts. Many of these parts are now not available.

A much more cost-effective and exciting proposition is to purchase a fantastic sounding performance XK8 / XKR exhaust system made from lifetime lasting 304 grade stainless steel. We are pleased to announce that we are now agents for Double S Exhaust Systems and carry their full range of exhausts for the XK8 and XKR (X100) cars. Having reviewed several systems, we believe the Double S products offer the best value for XK8 and XKR owners with prices starting from just £415 + VAT for the full Big Bore Sports Cat back system. We now also offer a fully silenced big bore system which gives car a mush better sound but retains the standard exhaust layout thereby keeping the car to a large degree original.

These high quality exhaust systems are:

* Designed from scratch by in-house performance technicians
* Designed to give genuine performance gains
* Designed to interface with further performance upgrades
* Designed to sound sporty without being intrusive
* Designed using the finest 304 grade stainless steel
* Designed using mandrel tube bending equipment for continuous unrestricted gas flow
* Designed using free flow silencers for maximum power and torque
* Designed and manufactured in the UK
* Designed for life

These systems look impressive and coupled with the fantastic sound they will turn heads and make you feel you are driving a real sports supercar.

Check out our exhaust systems and parts gallery page and then Contact Dave Roche if you want to discuss further and / or order. CLICK HERE

XK8 and XKR Parts

XK8 XKR Parts Review – Standard Exhaust System Layout

As mentioned in previous posts, the standard XK8 / XKR Exhaust system in mild steel has proven to be very robust in service with many systems lasting for over 10 years or more. Once a corrosion problem appears with the system, usually starting with the rear silencer boxes, many owners opt to replace the exhausts parts with a long life stainless steel system which give varying levels of V8 growl / rumble and can improve performance. But give Jaguar credit, the standard and muffled XK8 / XKR system makes driving the car on long journeys a real pleasure leaving a very relaxed driver upon arrival.

Just in case anyone wants to replace one of more parts of the exhaust system, with standard or performance parts please click on the link below.

DCR Jaguar XK8 XKR Exhaust Parts and Accessories

DCR Jaguar XK8 XKR Parts and Accessories

XK8 Parts Review – Programme your Key Fob

PLEASE NOTE: This procedure will only work if you have only one key fob and you need to programme this to the car by itself. If you have two and need to replace one of these the two fobs need to be programmed in simultaneously. This needs to be done by either a Jaguar main dealership or independent garage or auto locksmith with the correct computer software to do this.

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.

Click Here to contact Dave Roche @ XK8 Parts if you need a replacement Key Fob or require any further details.

Jaguar XK8 and XKR Parts