Getting ready for this replacement and found no visual removal and installation of front lower control arms (with the permanent ball joint in assembly). Trying to think out of the box and remembering SwingWing's admonition that the sub frame needs to lowered, I found this video on the procedure for a Mondeo.

The part looks absolutely identical and my question from anyone who has done this to their Jag, is this 100%, 80%, close to the same procedure?

Comments, classification(s) welcomed.

 

* love auto spell = clarification(s)

 

Looks the same to me!!!!!
I always put the rear bushing bolt back the way VW does it on the older Jettas and New Beetles (bolt inserted from the bottom pointing UP with nut on top).

The next guy will thank you (YOU MIGHT BE THE NEXT GUY).

bob

 

By rear bushing bolt, are you speaking about the first bolt on new piece he installs @ 7:00 to 7:49 in the video?

 

If you install the rear bush bolt UP you will NOT need to lower the rear of the subframe with the large lever bar and the safety jack employed the next time this operation is required!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You will not need to remove ANY subframe bolts because the bolt will fall out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I realize that the standard practice is to install bolts pointing DOWN or BACK but sometimes it is prudent to break from tradition.

bob

 

To separate the lower front ball joint from the wheel hub housing use 2 pickle forks 15/16. 1st insert parallel to wheel alignment hammer all the way in, 2nd at 90 deg hammer all the way in and pops off. Takes all of one minute max and no damage to rubber protective hood.

 

Problem with fitting the bolt of it comes loose it will fall out as it's no lip to retain it

 

If reversing the bolt (which I did) that holds the rear of the "A frame" assembly came loose and then "could" fall out, you'd have WAY more problem than the bolt loss. Like wheel turning sideways and sliding you sideways down the road, lmfao!! It's torqued on and has zero chance of loosening. If you were really that worried, use a lock nut!

 

I understand the bolt point Down or point BACK as I have my A&P cert from the FAA.

Sometimes the 'rule' is not followed for a specific reason. I remember a story about some bolts causing flap or aileron problems (I think it was the Locheed Lightning) jamming because the engineers wanted the bolts to point UP in the design for clearance. EVERYBODY knows that bolts point DOWN so the assembly guys disregarded the engineer and then things went bad. (there was not enough movement of the control surface because the bolts hit something)

VW has been installing the front control arm rear bush bolts pointing UP since the 1990s and I have never found one loose when I have replaced them.
They use almost the same setup as the X-Type.

 

Hello -I realize this is an older thread but this seems the most useful in terms of a process and referenced by an admin.

I need to replace the front lower control arms but my new mechanic is concerned since there is no procedure available. He's concerned about dropping the subframe "too far" - his words. He has no reference and I'm helping him gather info.

Is there certainty about this procedure being the same for the X-Type? Any additional reference available?

Thank you for any feedback!

 

I read Dell's thread, looked at mine,

NO WAY was I dropping that cradle. I got a Sawzall, electric hacksaw, reached in, with the nut off, and cut the head off that bolt, the shank fell out, gotta luv gravity, the arm simply wiggled out, and refitted as mentioned, with a locknut and a drop of loctite.

Next time, not me, it will be 15 years time, and I will 85, and not messing with cars anymore.

 

HI Grant, Thank you very much for this info. I will update with my experience.