Anyone got a good write-up on front subframe removal? I just bought a 2004 XJR that was in a minor front end accident and the "ears" that the lower control arms are attached to are bent.

 

Sadly as far as i know the answer is no, but i could be wrong.

We really could use one for both the front, as well as the rear.

That would handle just about anything that rusts, on these cars.

 

I did find a partial write-up in this forum with some photos attached posted back in 2016. It seems like a good place to start at least.

 

Not possible to straighten ears in situ?

 

It may be possible, but at least two of the control arms are ruined as well. I found a rust-free XJR subframe with all four lower arms, the sway bar, as well as the height sensors for $182 on Ebay, and that included free shipping! I jumped on it right away.

 

Seems to be lots of info when I Google "jaguar x350 front subframe removal"

There are photos of a frame for lifting the engine which I remember reading on this forum.

 

I did find that engine support bar at Harbor Freight that some people have used with success in this job. As far as initially jacking up the car, the shop manual states to use two floor jacks or a twin post hoist on these aluminum-bodied cars to prevent too much body flex. I saw an adjustable two-headed jack adaptor at Harbor Freight also. It has a width range of about 3 feet. I thought it could be used under the front subframe before setting jack stands at the factory jack points. Have you used anything like this before or no?

 

The bolt size to fit the two threaded holes, to lift the motor are 12m X 1.75.

I purchased two bolts that had the washer type shoulders for mine.

Installed one in each car, on the alternator side, as its not in the way.

So when time comes rebuild them, it is already there.

If air conditioner compressor has to be removed, it gets moved to the other side.

In your case you'll need both bolts installed, to remove both motor mounts.

If i should need two, i'll just take it from the other car.

I will always know where to find another one this way.

 

I remember now that someone made a metal bar with wooden blocks at each end to support

the engine and I think a wooden block under to spread the load when lifting the engine.

Use google to search this forum for pics.

 

Believe it was to change the alternator on this site.

The bar from Harbor was purchased by me, with a gift certificate.

Have yet to use it, but will have it when needed.

Granted a floor jack will work to lift the motor, but in your way, more than its when supported from above.

 

Hi swac101300,

I don't know of a DIY write-up for the subframe removal, but supporting the engine is relatively easy with a support bar. Just yesterday I replaced the alternator in an '06 XJR and supported the engine with a Harbor Freight engine support bar with the chain looped under an M12X1.75 flange-head bolt 25 mm long threaded into the right lift hole (left when facing the engine bay), just as Wingrider mentioned. The bolt on that side cannot be much longer than 25 mm or possibly 30 mm or it will not clear the aluminum plumbing that sits just forward of the lift hole.

For replacement of the subframe, neither a floor jack nor an engine hoist would be as suitable as a support bar because the jack or the legs of the hoist would obstruct your access to the undercarriage.

The official X350 Workshop Manual can be downloaded in six sections from the 'How To Quick Links" thread in the stickies for this X350 forum, and the exploded diagrams at jaguarclassicparts.com may also be helfpul. here's an example:



If you decide to replace your subframe we would all be grateful if you could take some photos to illustrate the key points of the process and post them here to help other members who will no doubt need to do the same in the future.

Cheers,

Don

 

My bolts were a bit longer at 70 mm, but no super charger involved so plenty of room for me.

Easier to reach, & install.