"S" Type - Drumming sound from Front Suspension

[EricG]

My 3L "S" Type has done only 55000 miles over last 10 years - all of this trouble free until recently when I became conscious of increased road noise/drumming when travelling over rough/uneven road surfaces. My local trusty garage diagnosed the problem immediately as worn shock absorber bushes and said that this was a common problem for "S" Types of this age irrespective of mileage. On his advice and at a cost of nearly £800 he fitted new bushes all round but this has not resolved the problem. Does anyone out there have any suggestions as to likely cause.

[Alastair]

I wonder if this is just wheel patter, you don't say if you had your front wheels checked for balancing or any damage. I had a bulge on one of my front tyres which gave the symptoms of wheel patter. I think that might have been a much cheaper way than £800 :-)

When did you check your tyre pressures last, that's even cheaper :-)

[EricG]

I wonder if this is just wheel patter, you don't say if you had your front wheels checked for balancing or any damage. I had a bulge on one of my front tyres which gave the symptoms of wheel patter. I think that might have been a much cheaper way than £800 :-)

When did you check your tyre pressures last, that's even cheaper :-)

Thanks Alistair - Had new tyres all round and wheels balanced just a couple of days before the shock absorber bushes were replaced. Have always had slight drumming from the low profile tyres on 18"wheels but sadly this is much more than this.

[EricG]

Thanks Alistair - had new tyres fitted and wheels balanced just a few days before I had the shock absorber bushes replaced. Have always had slight drumming from my low profile tyres and 18"wheels but sadly this is more serious.

[Royztoyz]

Sounds like anti roll bar bushes and drop links need changing. I had a problem with noise on bumpy roads and changed the bushes and links..... now nice and quiet!

[EricG]

Many thanks - your suggestion is spot on - Had the anti-roll bar bushes changed back in November and this cured the problem immediately. Wish now I had not spent £800 on the shock absorbers !!!

[BigAl]

I would have had a chat with the garage, as their diagnosis was wrong, I gather it was not a Jag main dealer

[Royztoyz]

Glad you got it sorted. If you haven't already, I would also check the anti roll bar drop links. Once the main problem has been solved (the "D" bushes) It tends to have a knock on effect to the next weakest point (the anti roll bar drop links) This is a simple fix and very cheap too! (£28 a pair from Jaguar Spares North East 0191 586 7770) Happy motoring.

(oh, and I have no association with JSNE, it's just the cheapest place i found!)

Roy

[EricG]

Thanks Roy - I appreciate your advice and will discuss tthe drop links issue with my garage when I get back to the UK - We are currently over in Perth WA until 15/2. I will also mention Big Al's comment although I don't intend to make a big issue about the wrong diagnosis as our "man" has been looking after us really well for nearly twenty years and I don't want him to be out of pocket.