So my 2004 X350 XJR failed the MOT on these points. Fantastic result considering her age, but are the dust covers easy to change? I've been told I should change the arms etc despite also being told there is absolutely no play in any of the joints?
- Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))
- Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))
- Nearside Rear Suspension rod ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))
meirion1
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Mar 18, 2026
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Hello Boyo
You must be from "the land of my fathers" ?
The rubber parts on this Jag can be very poor quality
and I have changed the ones on the rear tie rod myself
The rubber covers are available but the sizes needed are not obvious.
I suggest that you buy some of different size and see which ones fit
when you have removed the old ones.
No need to replace the arms etc. just remove any contaminated grease
and apply fresh grease.
If you do this job yourself I can provide guidance on undoing ball joints
Cheers
You must be from "the land of my fathers" ?
The rubber parts on this Jag can be very poor quality
and I have changed the ones on the rear tie rod myself
The rubber covers are available but the sizes needed are not obvious.
I suggest that you buy some of different size and see which ones fit
when you have removed the old ones.
No need to replace the arms etc. just remove any contaminated grease
and apply fresh grease.
If you do this job yourself I can provide guidance on undoing ball joints
Cheers
Quote:
You must be from "the land of my fathers" ?
The rubber parts on this Jag can be very poor quality
and I have changed the ones on the rear tie rod myself
The rubber covers are available but the sizes needed are not obvious.
I suggest that you buy some of different size and see which ones fit
when you have removed the old ones.
No need to replace the arms etc. just remove any contaminated grease
and apply fresh grease.
If you do this job yourself I can provide guidance on undoing ball joints
Cheers
Not quite, but close. I was born just over the border in the forest, but half my family are Welsh. Thanks for the tips, I may well accept your kind offer of guidance if I decide to tackle them myself. CheersOriginally Posted by meirion1
Hello BoyoYou must be from "the land of my fathers" ?
The rubber parts on this Jag can be very poor quality
and I have changed the ones on the rear tie rod myself
The rubber covers are available but the sizes needed are not obvious.
I suggest that you buy some of different size and see which ones fit
when you have removed the old ones.
No need to replace the arms etc. just remove any contaminated grease
and apply fresh grease.
If you do this job yourself I can provide guidance on undoing ball joints
Cheers
luv2fly
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@Wingrider is correct. Found the boots on ebay from Bulgaria. Super nice people. Measure best you can and buy sizes close. No point changing arms when only boots are bad. My opinion. I'm just waiting (procrastinating) to put on the boots I got.
paddyx350
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Quote:
My xjr failed its NCT (Irish MOT) last week on exactly the same items. As everybody has said, get some generic ones and fit. I didn't have time to do mine this week but my local mechanic had the 3 split dust covers on one front upper ballpoint and two track rod ends replaced in under an hour and charged me 50 euro. The car passed the retest this morning.Originally Posted by huwboy
So my 2004 X350 XJR failed the MOT on these points. Fantastic result considering her age, but are the dust covers easy to change? I've been told I should change the arms etc despite also being told there is absolutely no play in any of the joints?- Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))
- Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))
- Nearside Rear Suspension rod ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))
Wingrider
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Tie rod end remover tool removes the bottom metal plate.
Carefull removal of the metal ring on top, so it can be reused.
After disassembly, & cleaned with fresh grease.
Put the new boot on with wire ring at the top.
Then with the plate put back on the bottom.
Boot looks, & fits like new again, ready to put back on the car.
Tie wraps may work, but not as well, i m h o
Hope this helps
Carefull removal of the metal ring on top, so it can be reused.
After disassembly, & cleaned with fresh grease.
Put the new boot on with wire ring at the top.
Then with the plate put back on the bottom.
Boot looks, & fits like new again, ready to put back on the car.
Tie wraps may work, but not as well, i m h o
Hope this helps