Output shaft bearings are readily available on Ebay.

I replaced mine when installing a Quaif LSD.

 

Reading through the FSM this morning, I'm very surprised Jag shows the blowup of the diff with bearings. After dropping the diff, those are just pressed in/out from the outside of the housing?

Does the exhaust really need to be removed to drop the diff?

I'll also look back at the Quaif LSD threads. I recall seeing one with lots of photos of the process. Maybe it was your thread.

 

On my 2005 XJR I did not need to touch the exhaust at all.

One thread on installing the Quaife was for a different model not an XJR where a lot more work is involved.

Getting the diff in and out is not a straight down and up installation as it has to be done at an angle.

This is because of the prop shaft. If you take the prop shaft off, which I did not want to do, then it would be a bit easier.

The half shaft bearings are easy to pop out and press in. You do not need special tools.

In fact quite possible without taking the diff out I would think.

The half shafts pop out with a little leverage quite easily although you probably have to undo the wheel bearing "end" of the half shaft to allow outward movement.

The inner half shaft joint does move in and out but I doubt that would be enough to allow the half shaft spline to clear the diff.

Some one else might know for sure.

 

That was the idea I was hoping would be possible If the diff can stay in-situ, looks like the same amount of labor as changing the wheel bearing.

Well, before I put the cart before the horse, I will have them confirm the diagnosis. Will post back one I find out more.

 

So, got the car back from Jaguar this afternoon. They diagnosed the LR wheel bearing as the problem, not the right. They said that it was only slightly noisier when they listened to each side on the lift, but once they replaced it the noise while driving has gone away completely. Driving it home I was shocked how quiet it was--I don't know how long I've been listening to that obnoxious bearing noise and thinking it was the tires. So this has actually been a good experience w the dealership.

Do still have a slight whine from my diff at certain no-load conditions, but that's been there for more than 50k miles and never changes. Don't think it's worth pursuing a rebuild on that for a minimal noise.

Might get kicked out of the x350 club here... the loaner XF was a fun little car to have for 2 days! Had one before and didn't like it, but this was a brand new '17. Feels very much the small car, though. Very zippy. And too "radio-centric" for my tastes... but that's all new cars I suppose. What did surprise me was that my 11 year old 110k mile XJ doesn't drive much differently than the brand new XF with 1000 miles. Certainly says something about our cars!

 

i apologize for hijacking a thread:
i'm kind of at wits end. Does anyone know someone in the Lower 48/ between the Appalachians and the West Coast who can install fresh rear wheel bearings in my 2012 XF-Base?
Called 4 dealers/ and no one has returned my request for a quote to do the rear bearings. A couple of indy's didn't know what to charge, or fully sure of the procedure, etc, etc. i traveling between both coasts in the next few weeks, so i can probably swing by your shop.....
please pm,

Allan
\
TY!!

 

Hi Allan,

I have removed your phone number from your post. It's dangerous to post personal info in a public forum. Other members can easily contact you via Private Message.

The procedure for removing and replacing the rear wheel bearings on your XF is very similar to that on many other vehicles, so any shop competent with a hydraulic press can do the job. Jaguar dealerships have special tools for supporting the hub and pressing the old bearing out and new bearing in, but an independent shop with a good selection of cups can do it.

Rock Auto carries bearings from Jaguar OEMs SKF and Timken for less than $50.00 each, plus tax and shipping.

I just moved to Indiana and am still trying to unpack, but if you get desperate, contact me via PM.

Cheers,

Don

 

Wow Don, Thanks!
i appreciate this info very much.