I believe there are adjustment screws for both the low and high beams on top of the headlight assemblies. You'll need a hex key (don't recall the size).

 

I replaced the straight lower control before putting everything back together. The big bushing on the old one was definitely wrecked, many tears in the rubber that were not visible while on the car. The shock bushing was ok, but pretty loose.

Will definitely have to get a fresh alignment once both sides are done. I marked the bolts and tried to get them as close as possible but the steering wheel was still a bit off center on the test drive.

Anyways, so the passenger side is all done. Now for the driver's side...

 

Make sure the rear tie rods, as well as all rest of the rear suspension parts are in good shape,remember, the alignment involves all four wheels.

 

Finished the driver's side on Friday night. The balljoint would not separate from the control arm no matter what. Finally, while using a pitman puller, the control arm sleeve broke away from the control arm itself and came out with the balljoint. Thank God I was replacing the entire control arm anyway. Hammers, separators, pickle forks, nothing would break that balljoint away cleanly.

The big bushing on the control arm (which was supposedly replaced by my old mechanic 3 years ago) was wrecked in exactly the same manner as the passenger side (which was original to the car). This is why I prefer to do my own work now.

 

My rear upper control arms and rear sway bar links are wrecked on both sides, so I jacked her up and got to work. I managed to get the upper control arm out and the new one in but the balljoint refuses to line up with the hole in the wheel knuckle. I ran out of time so I'll have to try again tonight.

FYI, You will have to disconnect the brake line to remove and replace the rear upper control arms, as Mhamilton mentioned in his thread:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ushing-157467/

 

Finally got this done. It wasn't until I released the parking brake that I was able to move everything into proper alignment. I could've saved myself hours of trouble

 

Replaced my drivers int door handle. Replacement had a small scratch on the chrome handle that is driving me nuts. After I had it all buttoned up I realized how to press out the pin on my broken handle. Just needed to swap the spring. I'll go at it the next time I pull the door card.
These door cards are way easier to pull than anything in the past. No fir trees to break.

 

New radiator, radiator fan, thermostat housing and air con charge. 2005 XJR

 

I bought this car back in February this year with 65000 on the clock.
It was always my ambition to own an xj8 and I must say that I haven't been disappointed since i bought her. Having bought the car from a dealer (non-jag) in the midlands, I test drove the car and gave it the normal buyers checks?, the handbook shows 11 main dealer service stamps but MOT certificates & workshop invoices are sparse
I have read, over the internet, the horror stories relating to timing chain tensioners & the 'sealed for life' gear box problems.
It was my understanding that a July 2001 car would be fitted with second generation tensioners rather than the original plastic version.
I decided that prevention is better than and took my car to the local jaguar specialist.
Before committing to replacing the tensioners (and chains) I got them to give the underside of the car a once over. Although the general condition was good, corrosion was found on N/S/F chassis leg & both front jacking points. I got the garage to photograph the effected area before & after they had repaired the damage. The whole of the car underside has now been Shultz de-rusted & wax-oiled.
This done, I asked the garage to go ahead with replacing the whole timing chain set up including chains, tensioners (4th generation) gaskets, guides. Turns out the tensioners were first generation (orange plastic), the guides were worn & chains were slack. (I have the original parts in a box in my garage, and although the tensioners were still in one piece, they looked 'a bit tired')
Again, having viewed the various forums on the internet, I decided to have the 'sealed for life' transmission oil changed. The garage were up for charging me £20/ltr for the oil but I supplied it (free issue) having bought it over the internet for half that (Mobil ATF LT71141) They supplied the gaskets & filters.
I collected the car this afternoon & must say it drives like a dream (even better than before) and hopefully (rust addressed?timing chains & transmission oil sorted) I can look forward to really enjoying the car.
Throwing it open to the floor, what do I need to look out for next?

 

Had a shimmy in the steering wheel (not in the brake pedal) of the XJR when applying light to medium brake pressure, decided to replace the front rotors, did that this morning and so far all is well. Will give it a few days for a final verdict.

 

Not today but this weekend:

1. Replaced engine mounts
2. Replaced valve on A.C. compressor
3. Buttoned everything up only realize that transmission hoses gave out big time. Replaced rubbers with universal transmission hoses from NAPA. Double clamped. Harbor freight engine brace along with homemade engine brackets. This is the compressor valve that was replaced. Make sure it's completely pressed in and the clip sits well. Ask me why.
   

 

I was experiencing the dreaded Airbag light coming on more frequently lately. The code was 1-9. I removed the steering wheel, took the clock spring out and cleaned every single connector and put it back together. Finger's crossed the light doesn't come on again.

 

Fixed the "air suspension fault" message in the message center and resulting Amber Waring lamp.

This was a result of upgrading both HID ballasts from LAD5G's to LAD5GL's

At the same time we disabled the Cat monitoring (I have 100cspl cat converters) and removed the minicats from the exhaust and applied a new tune (still testing more to cone on that latter)

If you are interested in any of the above please PM Cambo as they all require programming well beyond a cloned mongoose

Cheers
34by151

 

Finished doing the paintwork on the lower rear bumper where I'd backed into a very low concrete wall a couple of months ago.

Next job - clean the front leather seats !

 

Fitted the above tyres after checking with Cambo they would fit without issue to my 2007 X358 XJR with standard 9" rims.....they do.....Great!!

 

Bought one from out of state, sight unseen (other than pics), haven't even sat in it yet and I've already bought all the filters and oil for its first change! I'll be prepared when it hits the ground!

 

[QUOsuspeby151;1700451]Fixed the "air suspension fault" message in the message center and resulting Amber Waring lamp.

This was a result of upgrading both HID ballasts from LAD5G's to LAD5GL's

At the same time we disabled the Cat monitoring (I have 100cspl cat converters) and removed the minicats from the exhaust and applied a new tune (still testing more to cone on that latter)

If you are interested in any of the above please PM Cambo as they all require programming well beyond a cloned mongoose

Cheers
34by151[/QUOTE]

Air suspension fault: Changed pump, still have fault light and message. Relatively new Arnotts, front sinking overnight. Was going to clean valve block, but hid ballasts? I wanted two pumps, trying to make air susp. work.

 

The HID ballasts operate the head lamp leveling which is part of the air suspension system.
When the ballasts are not present you will get an amber light and and "air suspension fault" in the message center.
Converting to the newer LAD5GL (4pin) ballasts will render the can bus signal inoperative and produce this error.

If you want more detail please reply in the thread https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lt-fix-181869/

If you need help with your air suspension please ask in another thread to keep this one from going off track

Cheers
34by151

 

Had 3 wheel rims repaired, damn pot holes. Need to wear out high points in tires now with some aggressive driving.

 

Valley hose, water pump, all upper gaskets including inlets, 6% pulley added, valley hoses done, egr removed, oil recirculation removed, fuel filter replaced.

Cleaned and polished.

All this had to be done in order for the car to be ready for my younger brothers funeral this Friday ( he loved my Jag).

Sad times but glad to have got it all done.