Suspension problem
1996 Jaguar XJ6 6 cyl Automatic 168000 miles

I just replaced Front and Rear Shocks (Bilsteins). All 4 new tires just bought them not even 6 months ago. I had the transmission mount adjusted so that it's positioned properly. I had the engine mounts replaced 3-4 months ago with a tune-up. Rear differential was replaced with a rebuilt.. everything runs beautifully and smooth. I feel the harshness of rough road bumps also the car kinda shakes on the freeway if I take it to 70mph. The whole car kinda shakes a bit when riding in the car...i can see my rear view mirror shaking when driving also.

Please help!! I want the original ride and feel of my luxury car..

James Lucas

Hi there,

Thank you for the donation,

I am wondering if the choice of shockers is part of your problem, where they your choice or were they recommended? some sports shockers are quite harsh in there action, i would let a suspension specialist drive the car and feel the ride, this with the type of tyre you have and the pressures you are running will all play a part in this harsh ride, i would start to look here first.

Mark (mhpautos)

You didn't really answer my question thoroughly...

I bought the Bilsteins over at Autozone. They are the heavy duty ride mono tube gas pressurized shocks for both front and rear. The shocks work smoothly but the car gives off a slight vibration when on the freeway. I want the feel of a brand new luxury car. What are the recommended tire pressure setting for a 1996 Jaguar Xj6? Where can I get a replacement manual that suppose to come with the car?

Hi there ,

I have spoken to a friend who is a suspension specialist and he is interested in the part Nos of the shockers that you have fitted, Bilstiens have some hard riding variaties and if we have the part Nos we will be able to advise if that is a sutable shock and we need to look elsewhere for your problem, as for the vibration, make sure that tyres are balanced and that there are not excessive amounts of weights on the rim. For the owners manual, best to do a web search if Jag can no longer supplier this book, there are plenty of automotive book sites out there.

Mark (mhpautos)

What's Nos? is that the part number...
if so, the fronts are - Part Number: B36-1861
the rears are - Part Number: B46-1858
They are the Heavy duty ride -Mono tube gas pressurized shock.
I bought them through Autozone.

By the way... I just notice the vibrations have gotten a little louder..it seems that when I accelerate, I hear a mild noise..sounds like the axel working hard.. and i can feel the vibration through the steering wheel. I am concerned that this is a sign of an upcoming major problem that I need to address before it gets worse and really expensive..

Hi there,

Finally got an answer on the shockers, they are the standard replacement shocker for your car, so now we will have to investigate the actual suspension, have all the front end bushes been check for problems, and the vibration in the steering, will also be a front end related problem, have all the steering linkages checked, ball joints, inner bushes, wheel bearings, Is there a vibration when breaking, is it worse then? is there a leak in the power steering system? check these out

Mark (mhpautos)

I finally decided to go the extra mile to get a Full Diagnostic Inspection and to do and Enginine Compression test over at a non-dealer Jaguar Mechanic. I have mentioned these problems to several mechanics - that you mentioned and I think that they won't look at it...i'm not sure why? too tedious? or they don't feel like doing it?....It sucks to find a good mechanic!! ++ and want me to spend between $150-200. I think that doing a Full diagnostic Inspection and an engine compression test will show what problems there are mechanically. Do you think that is a good idea ?

mhpautos wrote:

Hi there, Finally got an answer on the shockers, they are the standard replacement shocker for your car, so now we will have to investigate the actual suspension, have all the front end bushes been check for problems, and the vibration in the steering, will also be a front end related problem, have all the steering linkages checked, ball joints, inner bushes, wheel bearings, Is there a vibration when breaking, is it worse then? is there a leak in the power steering system? check these out Mark (mhpautos)