2001 Jaguar XK8 - Front Strut Assembly: Removal Process [Episode 1]

In this video I cover the process of removing the entire front strut assembly from the XK8, while ensuring minimal disruption to the remaining suspension components. For example, the upper control arm (and its super-long bolt) does NOT need to be removed in order to get the strut assembly out of the vehicle.

[@EvenOlderThanBrian]

This was great! Thanks. I am about to give this a try. Really appreciate the great lighting.

[@2001JaguarXK8]

Thank you, glad I could help.

[@hunty28]

Thanks for showing how to remove the strut without releasing either the upper wishbone fulcrum bolt or the upper wishbone ball joint - all the other videos I’ve seen needed 1 or the other. We have 2 X100s to do this on and hopefully your video will be the answer

[@2001JaguarXK8]

Please also take a look at my replies to the other comments to this video. I provide a bit more context, in case you run into problems with taking out the strut assembly. Best of luck!

[@EvenOlderThanBrian]

I’m wondering if there’s a difference with later model XK8s. I have a 2006 and am right in the middle of doing this. There is no way I can get enough room to remove it the way you do. I can’t get the bottom of the strut up past the triangle piece.

[@2001JaguarXK8]

Hmmm, I am not sure about differences with the later models. I'd say make sure your sway bar is completely disconnected on both sides of the vehicle and the suspension is pressed as far down as possible. Then, when you are maneuvering the strut assembly itself, you first need to turn it a bit (approximately 90 degrees from the original orientation) so that the bottom bushing is not pointing front-back, but rather points more towards the engine (I hope that makes sense). This will help with the three bolts at the top and getting one of them out of the metal ridge/stamped edge which limits the movement on top. If the shock can not clear the triangle plate on the bottom, try to get one of the bolts on top to clear the edge. Once you have one bolt free, the rest follow easily.

[@2001JaguarXK8]

I re-watched the video. Pay close attention around the 15:00 minute mark. First, one bolt on top clears the ridge. Then, at the bottom around 15:03 you can see how I turn the strut assembly and the bushing can then clear the triangle plate. This is possible because the top of the strut is now partially out over the ridge and can move more freely.

[@EvenOlderThanBrian]

@@2001JaguarXK8 Ah! That note on getting one bolt clear makes sense. I was trying to do that very thing but just couldn’t get it. Ended up pulling the wishbone bolt. Then it was clear sailing.

[@2001JaguarXK8]

@@EvenOlderThanBrian Glad to hear you got over this hurdle. Best of luck with the rest of the process!

[@johnredders4473]

Any chance of a link to those magnetic LED lights you're using.

[@2001JaguarXK8]

Hi John, the product name at Amazon Canada is "ORHOMELIFE Magnetic Work Light, 42 LEDs 1000 Lumens". Let me see if I can include a link as well.

[@2001JaguarXK8]

This is a direct link to the product page. There are many other similar products as well, these are simply the ones I chose. www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09JW3YG22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1