Can anyone tell me if it's difficult to change the front struts on my 04 Jaguar Xtype 3.0 AWD??? In replacing the struts will I need to get a new front-end alignment??

 

I've moved your question from New Member Area - Intro a MUST to X-Type forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

Graham

 

Replacing X-Type struts is not particularly difficult if you've done struts before. The risky step is compressing the springs to move them from the old to the new struts. Many auto parts stores will loan spring compressors to do it safely, or if you're unfamiliar or uncomfortable with this risky step, take the old struts off the car and pay an auto repair shop to transfer the springs to your new struts.

One step can be quite difficult or easy - depending on your X-Type. The front subframe needs to be lowered slightly, one side at a time, to unload the struts so you can remove / reinstall them. Four bolts hold the subframe to the unibody. The front 2 bolts are not a problem - they're behind the front bumper and shielded from the elements. But the rear 2 bolts are exposed to the elements and can rust to their captive nuts, which can break free when you turn the bolts. The captive nuts are relatively inaccessible, concealed inside the unibody.

Before replacing your front struts, try to loosen the rear 2 bolts of the front subframe, one at a time. If they unscrew from the captive nuts, then replace the struts.

If the captive nuts break free and you can't unscrewing the subframe bolts, read the thread below, which includes pictures of the captive nut problem, and an ingenious solution by Paulc732:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...e-free-113243/

These two threads describe a less elegant, but equally effective, brute force solution (towards the bottom of the thread):
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...corner-141459/

Suspension overhaul nightmare

When finished, you will want to have the suspension aligned.