Front Suspension - How Difficult?
#1
Front Suspension - How Difficult?
Hey Lads,
So I have some front end work to do on the Jag.
I have a good skillset but suspension is not something I have tons of experience working on. There are perished bushings and the balljoints need replacing as the boots are split.
So what am I getting myself into here.
My main concern is dealing with the front springs. I have seen posts with threaded rod tools built to take the springs out but I do not know if the springs need to come out to change various bushings in the suspension?
Can anyone who has replaced bushings and various components up front enlighten me a little to the workload involved in going through the front end completely?
There are kits on ebay that contain all the necessary bushings to replace everything up front.
Bernie
So I have some front end work to do on the Jag.
I have a good skillset but suspension is not something I have tons of experience working on. There are perished bushings and the balljoints need replacing as the boots are split.
So what am I getting myself into here.
My main concern is dealing with the front springs. I have seen posts with threaded rod tools built to take the springs out but I do not know if the springs need to come out to change various bushings in the suspension?
Can anyone who has replaced bushings and various components up front enlighten me a little to the workload involved in going through the front end completely?
There are kits on ebay that contain all the necessary bushings to replace everything up front.
Bernie
#2
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Hi Bernie,
I have done the entire front suspension on our '93 XJ40, which is very similar to your X300. You can do the ball joints, upper control arm bushes and shock bushings without removing the springs.
To renew the lower control arm bushings you must remove the springs.
To renew the subframe Vee mounts and rear pivot bushings, the subframe must be dropped. This requires some method of supporting the engine/transmission, preferably from above.
As far as tools go, in addition to a safe means of decompressing and recompressing the road spring, you need a means of replacing the various bushings. The control arm bushes can probably be replaced via the socket and long bolt method, but the rear subframe pivot bushes may require a hydraulic press. I use a small press purchased from Harbor Freight (in the U.S.) for $70.00.
While you're doing front suspension work, consider repacking the grease in the front wheel bearings, or replacing the bearings, since they are inexpensive.
Below are some photos showing some of the work involved:
Lower Ball Joints:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Damper Top Bushes:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Road Spring Compressor fabrication and use:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Front Suspension Crossbeam/Subframe:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Front Wheel Bearings:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Cheers,
Don
I have done the entire front suspension on our '93 XJ40, which is very similar to your X300. You can do the ball joints, upper control arm bushes and shock bushings without removing the springs.
To renew the lower control arm bushings you must remove the springs.
To renew the subframe Vee mounts and rear pivot bushings, the subframe must be dropped. This requires some method of supporting the engine/transmission, preferably from above.
As far as tools go, in addition to a safe means of decompressing and recompressing the road spring, you need a means of replacing the various bushings. The control arm bushes can probably be replaced via the socket and long bolt method, but the rear subframe pivot bushes may require a hydraulic press. I use a small press purchased from Harbor Freight (in the U.S.) for $70.00.
While you're doing front suspension work, consider repacking the grease in the front wheel bearings, or replacing the bearings, since they are inexpensive.
Below are some photos showing some of the work involved:
Lower Ball Joints:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Damper Top Bushes:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Road Spring Compressor fabrication and use:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Front Suspension Crossbeam/Subframe:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Front Wheel Bearings:
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Welcome to Jag-lovers - Members Photo Viewing Page
Cheers,
Don
The following 5 users liked this post by Don B:
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#3
I am in the midst of this project as we speak (type). The front spring tool Don B suggested is quite easy to fabricate. I ended up using the shorter half of the 3' shaft I cut. I didn't get the car up high enough to use the long threaded bar section so I jacked up the spring with the jack and then finished off with the compressor tool. I'm on to removing the bushings before I slap the Powerflex poly bushes in. I also have H&R springs coming via UPS Ground on Monday for install as well Can't wait!
I will do the subframe V mounts and rear sub frame bushes at a later date.
I will do the subframe V mounts and rear sub frame bushes at a later date.
The following users liked this post:
Don B (10-06-2015)
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Don B (10-06-2015)
#5
Hello, so I have been fixing up a 97 vdp and after wonder why the wheel pulls left like crazy when i let go and i have found that someone crashed the front driver side and bent some suspension components. And the lower control arm is definitely bent. Whats the easiest or most efficient way to replace this ? Im sure it’ll be a nightmare getting the arm off as i can look and see that the bolt is bent as well. Any advice would help. I’ve done a full rear suspension rebuild now i want to do the front.
#6
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Crossroads of America
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Hello, so I have been fixing up a 97 vdp and after wonder why the wheel pulls left like crazy when i let go and i have found that someone crashed the front driver side and bent some suspension components. And the lower control arm is definitely bent. Whats the easiest or most efficient way to replace this ? Im sure it’ll be a nightmare getting the arm off as i can look and see that the bolt is bent as well.
Be sure you can find good parts before you begin. I believe the fulcrum bolts are still available from Jaguar, but they are expensive. Good salvaged parts may be your best bet.
Cheers,
Don
Last edited by Don B; 05-21-2021 at 02:19 PM.
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#7
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#9
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Crossroads of America
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The part number for the lower control arm fulcrum bolt & nut is JLM11858. Check with our forum sponsors SNG Barratt and Jagbits. Jaguar shows the bolts are still available at a retail price of about $150.00. SNG Barratt and Jagbits may have aftermarket options.
BTW, I had to scroll back to your initial post to be reminded of the year and model of your Jaguar. It is helpful if you visit your User Control Panel and edit your signature to include the year, model and engine of your Jaguar so these important details appear in all of your posts.
Cheers,
Don
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