I just had new tires and brake pads installed and the mechanic says I need two new front lower front control arms. The cost to repair is $1,400.00. I just started using this place even though they do not specialize in Jags. He seemed to do the brake pads just fine, but I am concerned about letting him do such a big job. I am also closing in on 100K miles and so that service will need to be done soon for another $1,400.

My question is whether simply replacing the bushings might be sufficient. Right now I only notice a bit of a shimmy when I brake hard. If I brake gently I don't notice anything. I did have an alignment done last week when they installed the new tires.

In the meantime, my plan is to bring the car to a Jag mechanic that I have used in the past and trust, and have him check the car out. The only reason that I started using the new guy is that they are more convenient, and seem to have a good reputation.

 

These are expensive arms. Not the same as the Ford T-Bird and Lincoln LS.
When gathering parts for my rebuild I sourced bushings from Rock Auto. Think I have three brands for the three bushings in each arm. There is also a curved arm, mine looked new, previous owner must have replaced.
The other three arms can be purchased reasonably. The uppers were around 120.00 each and the rear lowers around 250. I did not look hard, but front lowers were 600 - 700 each everywhere I looked.

 

All the bushings are available from ZF/Rock Auto with the exception of the upper A Arm ball joint.

I chose to do it all using bushings rather than new arms.
The only part not replaced was the upper ball joint. I also went as far as replacing the steering rack arms and swaybar arms.
I also purchased the subframe and steering rack bushings but have not done these as yet. I also needed new wheel hubs and disks and replaced these at the same time

Cheers
34by151