Spring And Shock Absorber Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Jaguar XE and 2019 Jaguar XE. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The spring and shock absorber assemblies are located between the lower lateral arm and the front suspension housing in the inner wing. There are two shock absorber variants:

Conventional oil shock absorber.
Continuously variable adaptive shock absorber. For additional information, Refer to: VEHICLE DYNAMIC SUSPENSION

Different combinations of springs and shock absorbers are available depending on the vehicle model. The conventional and adaptive shock absorber assemblies are of a similar construction.

The shock absorbers are a monotube design with a spring seat located on the shock absorber tube. The shock absorber's lower bush is an integral part of the lateral lower control arm, and the shock absorber takes the form of a clevis-end, which straddles the bush.

The shock absorber functions by restricting the flow of oil through internal galleries in the shock absorber piston, providing damping of undulations in the road surface.

The shock absorber piston is connected to a shock absorber rod which is sealed at its exit point from the shock absorber body. The threaded outer end of the shock absorber rod locates through a hole in the top mount. A self locking nut secures the top mount to the shock absorber rod. The shock absorber rod on the adaptive shock absorber has an electrical connector on the outer end of the shock absorber rod. For additional information, Refer to: VEHICLE DYNAMIC SUSPENSION

The shock absorber rod is fitted with a spring aid which prevents the top mount making contact with the top of the shock absorber body during full suspension compression and also assists with the suspension tune.

The spring rate of the coil springs can differ between models and are color coded for identification. The coil spring locates on a rubber isolator on the lower spring seat which is located on the shock absorber body. The spring locates in an upper spring seat which is located on the underside of the top mount. The majority of the roll stiffness is provided by the springs rather than the stabilizer bar as this arrangement allows for a natural frequency of roll and consequently a consistent suspension ride.

The top mount has three studs which locate through mating holes in the vehicle inner wing and are secured with self locking nuts.