I have a new pair of B4 Bilsteins on the way. I have a few questions for the forum about the "might-as-wells" of the front suspension while I'm in there.

1. Can someone point me to a thread on here about front suspension refurb?

2. Is there a way to replace just the shock mount bushing where it attaches to the lower control arm?
3. Does anyone have experience with a supplier who can provide a full set of bushings and ball joints to be installed in the original arms? I'm looking for oem quality and characteristics. More interested in ride comfort than high speed track capability.

Thanks
Jeff

 

The front bushes are in the straight arm that makes up the lower wishbone, and are easily replaced once the spring unit is removed. The lower wishbone trunnions are replaceable separately but normally only the front ones on the "banana" arm need replacing. The ball joint on the hub carrier can wear out and is theoretically replaceable, but it's a difficult job, The upper wishbone trunnions can also be replaced, but I don't think the ball joint at the apex is replaceable, but I may be wrong. Check aftermarket prices carefully, and try to get OEM parts. These will be cheaper than official Jaguar but come from the same supplier. Don't forget the anti-rollbar mounts and link arms too. The mount bushes are apparently a PITA to replace.

Most of the main Jaguar parts suppliers have good parts, and will indicate which are OEM. The parts are not cheap even on the internet compared to mainstream US cars

 

I just replaced my upper a-arms (ball joint boots tear) with Lemforders that I bought on Rockauto.com. They supposedly produce the originals. There are a number of threads on this but it takes some detective work as some parts are interchangeable with S Types and Lincoln LS models of the same era. In my case there weren't Lemforders listed for my 05 XJR but there were Moogs that cross referenced as fitting the Lincoln. I looked up the Lincoln and they had Lemforders listed which I purchased. I can tell you they are a match to my XJR. Even if you buy the parts elsewhere rockauto has a lot of info easily organized and found. (no I don't work for them) Oh and I changed them because they can only be done when the struts are out of the car.

 

Be sure to use an anti seize compound on the lower shock bolt, upon reassembly.
The front ball joints on both of my Jaguars were done in my garage, not that hard.
Had to rent the BIG set, the one i had, needed a bigger receiving cup, that the big set had.
The hub assembly can be easy or a real pain, just do it while things are apart

 

If you decide to do the hubs, I'd be happy to share a PDF instructional with pics that I posted in another thread on my adventure and eventual success changing them. As Wingrider nicely put it they either go easy or they do not.

 

Yesterday I purchased a complete set of Bushes for the front suspension in UK

BPK154 SUSPENSION KIT X350 XJ
BPK154 : IS MADE UP OF THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS
BPC106 BALL JOINT 2x
C2C36029 WISHBONE BUSH 2x
2C4437 BUSH-WISHBON 2x
C2D24220 LINK-ANTIRO 2x
C2P7442G NUT AND WASH 2x
CCC6782 JOINT-SPHERI 2x
PFF27-603 BUSH-POLYEURETHANE 4x
XR819697 ROLL BAR BUSH 2x

and yes: would be happy getting a copy of your pdf :-)

 

xkr_dougie and anyone else it may help, here you go!

Not necessarily staying on the strut topic but if you are in there working the front suspension this can be a bear of a job!

 

I admire your ingenuity, but this job is far easier with a hydraulic press. They can be had for pretty cheap; a 12 ton press can be purchased from Harbor Freight for $120.

Then you'll have the press for other jobs, like replacing the control arm bushings.

 

Yes a press would be a nice tool to add to my arsenal and trust me I have a bunch of tools. In fact for rear hubs you definitely need one. I am not sure though that I would have thought of removing the front upright completely for a bolt in hub. I guess it is only two more nuts to remove the upright. I will be blaming you Brewster411 when my wife asks why I need another tool. My method may look a bit barbaric but I can tell you it is effective.

 

I will happily take the blame!