Hi gents-

I have an intermittent no crank/no start issue on the X type that I can’t get sorted yet, so I am going to just put that aside undid now and get my shocks/struts and front control arms replaced.

Has anyone had this done? Are there any particulars that I should worry about with a “regular” mechanic doing the job? I know from my other x type that the control arms can be a pain, but other than that, are there any issues I should be prepared for?

thanks

 

Rear =
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=STum4frYvB4

Front =
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BeZ1flDFJZ0

 

Thanks!

all 4 new shocks/struts with all the bushings/stops on top for the front, tie rod ends, and the right side front control arm. The right side only because some idiot sold me two right arms. And this idiot didn’t check . Also the front sway bar bushings didn’t go in because everything was buttoned up and my mechanic could figure out how to get them in without dropping everything again.

So I still need to do the front left lower control arm and the front sway bar bushings. But no more ungodly noises when turning or hitting potholes .

 

Always reinstall this one upside down to OEM install. Bolt bottom up and nut on top. That way you NEVER have to drop the subframe again.

 

they just got new bolts and cut the existing bolts with a rotary tool.

It all went well, the only thing we had a hard time with was the front sway bar bushings and the fact I bought two right front lower control arms.

 

I almost replied with "I did the lower control arms, they are easy" and then I realized I did control arms when the front subframe was removed due to needing a rear catalytic converter. That subframe is NOT easy.

 

surprisingly, cutting the bolts made the job a LOT easier for my mechanic.

 

You did not need to loosen the rear subframe bolts I guess? I forget, it has been at least 2 years since I did the control arms. I had to detach the entire front subframe for the catalytic and I had corroded captive subframe nuts that spun out and required removing the front seats and trim panels and carpet to grind through the unibody under the gas pedal with an angle grinder in order to get a wrench in there to loosen the back subframe bolt. Many hours of labor with toolboxes of pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, prybars, and the grinder to loosen 1 bolt. Cutting off the head of the bolt would have helped with removal but would still require all the same tools to put it back together as the nut is up inside the unibody.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...bframe-196868/

 

No, the bolt to the control arm was cut in half. It got to the point it’s at in Dells photo and cut of from there:

 

Ahh, yes, I see now what you mean. I did put my control arm bolts in from the bottom so they can come out without cutting them off if there is a next time. Dell's picture must have triggered some PTSD from laying on the cold concrete working those bolts. I was stupid to start that job in February without a garage.

 

btw, if anyone is doing their lower control arms, they can have my right hand side new one for 50 dollars plus shipping. They cost me 100 each. As I noted above, I bought what I thought was left and right and they sold me two right ones. That was over a year ago, so I really can’t return it.