Clunking noise coming from my drivers side front, 35000 miles Jaguar says its the lower control arm bushings that cannot be replaced, I need complete lower control arm assembly. They can do both sides for $2000. Does sound right Its a 2004 XJ8, Thanks

 

The upper bushings cannot be replaced, the lower ones are replaceable.
Auto parts stores sell the bushings. Google is a great resource, do a search for a price that suits your needs.

Both front bushings are also listed in the Jaguar parts list:
Bushing, Lower Control Arm, Inner Rear: C2C4437 $41.00
Bushing, Lower Control Arm, Front: C2C36029 $46.65



2004-2009 Jaguar XJ8 Control Arm Bushing - Lemfoerder W0133-1656027 - Front, Lower

 

The lower wishbone (US=control arm), is a two piece assembly. A UK internet supplier has them at: -

1. Straight arm (side left or right) at £350 each
2. Curved arm (not handed) at £185

So the two parts together for one side are £535 = $829, or for both sides $1658. Then there is shipping cost and if purchased in the UK, our VAT tax (20%)

Parts sent all over the world, or so they claim
Post and Returns | JustJagsUK.com

US internet suppliers may have equivalent prices, but if you went to a Jaguar main agent, they will charge top-dollar. The website above also shows the official Jaguar price so you can compare.

So if you have been quoted $2000 you need to know what exactly they are replacing; is it both arms on each side or just one of them. From your post I read it as the price for both sides, not per side.
BTW the straight wishbone includes the lower bush for the air spring unit.

 

Me again !

Looking at these things, the actual bushes can, I believe be bought separately but then there is the labour involved in pressing out the old bush and pressing in the new one. This needs a press and the correct size mandrel so probably works out about the same cost in the end.

 

Hi Edv, my 'bones were shot too, after 70,000 miles. I was lucky though, the Seller cut a check. It is really a kick in the teeth to think that the entire unit (the splendid looking aluminum lower arm) has to go, after such a brief period. There have been numerous posts and hot sports opinions about this matter on this Forum-hope yours works out to your benefit, and economically. Cheers

 

Just replaced mine. Go to ebay or www dot car-part dot com and look for the lowest mileage xj8 wishbones and replace yours. Mine came from a 20,000 mile car at the cost of $120 for the straight arm and 100 for the curved arm, each side. I was able to get both uppers, and all 4 lowers for a total of $700 and labor at my indie ran $300 for everything. Rides like the new car it was when I bought it.

 

You do not need to replace both control arms just because 1 is bad. The right front takes the beating in North America and it is perfectly okay to repair it and leave the left side alone.
Where in FL do you live?

 

Thank you Gentlemen for all the advice,I appreciate it. I`ll decide whats the best course of action and do my best to keep the car running like new. I love the way it drives and it looks like new. Bye the way Tarheal I live in the Fort Lauderdale area. Thanks again. Edv468

 

Check your brake pads. On the pads themselves are two little clips. Each pad has two. They are on each end and act as a little spring to keep the pad pressed into the bracket snugly. If any of these clips break the pad will rattle with a clunking noise when hitting bumps and also when you hit the breaks, you will hear a high pitched clunk or a ping noise. It is hard to hear, you really have to be listening to it.

 

I just had an update from my Jaguar dealer. Its not the lower control arm its the upper ones, they tell me they are leaking from the boots and one has some play. Either way they still want better than $2000 to repair. I had it in for an oil change and service less than a 1000 miles ago, I cannot believe someone would`nt have seen torn or leaking bushes. Oh well you get what you pay for. $119 plus for an oil change.

 

If you can find the bushings, a machine shop can change them.

 

UK website Justjagsuk has the upper wishbones complete for £165 each (=$265). The picture shows that these seems to be an aluminium forging with two inner bushes and an outer balljoint. Unbolt old and bolt on new, say one hour a side ?

I have to say this doesn't seem to get anywhere near $2000 even with shipping and labour charges to fit, except that this site also gives the Jaguar official UK price which is £338 each !!!!!

Jaguar S-Type, X350, XF Wishbone Upper Front Kinked RH (XR857652#) | JustJagsUK.com

Before you ask, No, I don't work for them and in fact have never bought anything directly, although I suspect my indie shop uses them.

 

Ebay has the bushings for the upper wishbones for $50 each, you woud need 2... but I went ahead and got mine from a low mileage for $100 and saved the pressing troubles. Do not pay 2000 for this. I got 8 arms low mileage [upper fronts, front lower front and rears, and rear lowers] for $800 and all are installed for $400... total 1200 + alignment - rides like new

Your total would be far less in your case

 

Salvaged parts are usually always cheaper than brand-new, but normally no warranty.

If it was me,I would just swap over, new or used, assuming the price is right as I posted earlier. Swapping out the bushes needs care and the right equipment. If you know a shop that will do this, then see what the estimated cost is. Replacing bushes involves additional labour than just a swap-out.

 

They must be indicating that the Ball Joints are leaking some grease, the bushings don't have any grease in them (hopefully they don't).

 

My mechanic replaced mine for $250. He had a guy with a press next door to him change it out. I think the part itself was around $60. Jaguar wouldn't give him the part #. He had to do a little research.