I think I finally solved the front end rattle. Admittedly, I changed two things at once, so I can't definitively place the blame, but I think I've got a good idea.

First, some background. I've been fighting a front end rattle for over a year. It only manifested itself at slow speed (10-40mph) on less than perfect roads.

It sounds like the kind of noise you'd get if you stood a pipe on end, and rattled the top of the pipe around the inside of some kind of metal opening.

I've replaced all kinds of bushings trying to get it fixed. These include both front control arm bushings, the upper control arms, the shock end bushings, both air shocks, tie-rods and sway bar end links. I have a pair of sway bar bushings ready to install, but I can now say with confidence that I won't be needing those.

Recently, the Jaguar dealer replaced one of the wheel bearings because it was making noise, and declared the other one ok. That threw me off the trail.

This past weekend I replaced the air shock on the passenger side, and just for giggles and grins I replaced the other wheel bearing. I wish I had done these separately, but after driving for a few days, I can say with confidence that the rattle is finally GONE! If I had to bet money, I'd say it was the wheel bearing. The ride is much quieter and more precise.

Other symptoms:
1) when hitting bumps going through turns, the car would jink sideways just slightly.
2) when slowing down, I had a front end shimmy, which made me think it was getting time to replace the front disk brake rotors.

With 125K miles, I think I'm going to go ahead and proactively replace the rear wheel bearings. If I can get them for $120 (Timken part number) like I did the fronts, they are pretty easy to replace in an hour or so per side.

Hope this helps someone else!

Mark
2004 XJR 125K miles

 

Excellent, thanks for sharing.

Nice to know your ride is now nice n quiet as it should be....

 

I had a soft rattle that drove me up the wall for about a year. Then when I changed my front air-shock because it was leaking, the rattle disappeared.

 

The rear bearings are press-in bearings, you have a bearing press and or bearing tool see that can replace them with?

 

Yes, i have a 20-ton press. GGG gave me enough of an information lead that I found it at my favorite Jaguar parts store for $55 each.

 

I need to replace mine. Was going to get the full assembly.

Saw TIMKEN part and BECK ARNLEY as well. Let me know what you thought and how the fitment was?

Thanks

 

Hi there, I was thinking of replacing the complete assembly.

Two questions. 1,) The job looks pretty straight forward, so I thought would ask if there are any HEADS UP or things to watch out for.
2.) Also there are several parts MFG available. Any preference for TIMKEN or BECK ARNLEY?

Let me know and thank forum !!!!!

 

Excellent write up Hunter. I know the feeling when you change more than one thing at a time when troubleshooting and find that one of them remedied the issue. But, it's rough to not go ahead and do one while you're already doing the other and in a good position to do so. The bright side is that it's done and you're happy with it!

Respects,
Rags

 

Front right shock replacement from Arnott fixed the rattle for me

RyeJag
2004 XJR 80K miles