How can I tell if my Rear Control Arms need to be replaced??
I don't know if the rear alignment can be adjusted or IF they need to be REPLACED? Is the mechanic just taking advantage of me??

 

Got any "junk in the trunk" sounds? There's lots of rubber bushings in rear suspension that wear out. No adjustments - you've just got to replace 'em.

 

No, none of those sounds! Suspension seems OK.
Thanks for the Reply. ��

 

I just changed mine last week. Very easy job to do on your own if you have garage to do it in. Took about 30 min per side to replace the uppers and lowers. The upper control arms that I bought are adjustable, if you can get the original style that do not adjust even someone that has never worked on a car can do it in less than an hour. Anyway, on to the point of this reply..... look at them. On each end there is a bushing that has a long bolt pass through it. If the bushing is old/cracked/damaged then I would recommend changing them.

 

Oh, and them long bolts are a b*tch to get out too! They're really in there, especially if they've been exposed to road salt. For me it took a breaker bar to crack them, and also using the two wrenches hooked together method answered.

 

Thanks swingwing, I think the mechanic used a breaker bar & that's exactly what happened! Are they threaded in or can they be hammered through with a punch from the other side? Are the offset washers welded to the bolts? It looks that way on my car?
Thanks again for your help! Larry ������

 

These are M12 bolts of various lengths. You can see them on SNG Barratt's website (or others). By the way, SNG Barratt (a sponsor of this forum) will send you a useful printed catalog if you send them an email request. Back to the bolts - most of them are threaded into captive nuts welded to the suspension arms. Put car on lift or stands and pull a rear wheel, then have a look. Pretty easy to see how the arms and such are attached. As I've worked through replacement of suspension pieces on my car I've ordered a fair number of new fasteners. They're not too dear but you have to get the part numbers for ordering.

 

Thanks again swingwing! The catalog is great, just what I wanted to view!
Everyone at Jaguar Forums has been wonderful, knowledgeable, passionate Jaguar Owners & Enthusiasts!! A GREAT FORUM TO VISIT!!!!!
Thank you once again, Larry ������
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