Hi fellow jaguarians:=)

For this winter i am planning to renew the front suspension on my 1995 3.2 X300.
I was planning not to drop the entire subfram and thus leavin the vee mounts and rear pivot bushes.

I thought of renewing the shocks, coils, bushes in control arms, sway bar.

Is it a big miss not renewing the vee mounts and rear pivot bushes?

It must be said that the shocks need replacing, i am not to sure about the bushings but thought it might be a good idea while I am att it?

Thought?

Best Christian from Sweden:=)

 

No one who has any thoughts, or wanna give some input.

All replyīs are most wellcome:=)

/Christian

 

I would definitely do the V mounts as part of an overhaul - you can do those without dropping the whole subframe (just need to lower it a little). The rear subframe bushes are probably OK.

The top and bottom ball joints would also be on my list. If you are doing the bottom wishbone bushes then that is a good time to do the bottom ball joint as it requires spring removal also.

Make sure you get good quality parts not the cheap white box parts from ebay and some independent suppliers.

 

I just completed this process on my Jag, less the v-mount & rear subframe pivot bushes. I installed H&R springs and Powerflex Bushings throughout. HUGE difference in balance of vehicle, handling and the brakes work so much better it feels like they got an upgrade. I also replaced the upper and lower ball joints with OEM Lemforder.

The lower aspects of the subframe are strong now however, it has finally exposed the v mounts bushings as next in line to be replaced.

 

Thx guys for the replys.

b1mcp: do mean you mean loosening the vee mounts and let it swing rear in the pivot mount ( hence the name pivot;=).

What is the big difference in changing these mounts or not?

SD96XJ6L: balljoints I will change, good idea

And any recommendations on replacement parts, I was thinking a full kit from britishparts.co.uk since I am over here.

Best regards

Christian

 

Hi on with the dirty work, going well untill I saw this black and yellow wire to th knuckle.
What are they for and how do you take off the black one without damaging it?

Best regards

Christian




Black wire

 

That's the ABS sensor. It comes out with a small 8 or 10mm head I think.

 

Fellas, my XJ6 70k miles has new shocks and tires are in good condition. Two different mechanics have looked over the rest of my car and don't think anything else needs to be replaced. BUT they have to be wrong.

My car does not absorb patched up asphalt the way it used to 4-5 years ago. I just drove a same year XJR6 (1997) that had only 20k miles, and even with its larger wheels and tires it still had a better ride than my car.

Specific suggestions to have my mechanics do? I gotta have this sorted out before I commit to my achievable dream upgrade of more aggressive rear axle ratio (4.01) and the PowerLok LSD.

 

Hi SD96XJ6L, and thank you for replying, sorry for sounding ignorant. But I dont see no bolt, on the yellow yes but how do you get to the bolt on the black one? Can you pull the cap off? Best regards Christian

 

The head of the 8 mm bolt is behind the yellow earthing wire. This is also the bolt holding the ABS sensor to the hub. In y experience they almost never come out cleanly. They are always somewhat corroded and get damaged trying to remove them. My advice, if you need to remove the hub, disconnect from the engine bay and leave the sensor on the hub.

 

Hi

Got it out with no damage, went on to the upper wishbones, but fulcrum pin was locked in and will will not come out unless I drop the subframe.
Read some of threads on the subject now, doesnīt seam so difficult.....

In the words off V12Rob :
Subframe out is basic nuts and bolts, top shock bolts, vee mont bolts, rear mount bolts, steering rack coupling, pas hoses, brake hoses, abs wiring, pad wear wiring and drop out.

Am I nuts doing this in my garage?

Best

Christian

 

Don't forget also the engine mounts and a way to support the engine when the subframe drops.

 

Hi

Back from the garage, removed the steering gear.
Marked the relation between steering shaft u-joint and the steering gear pinion shaft, nice when reassembly. I didnīt bleed the system before do, guess red is my colour anyway :=)
vee mounts, engine mounts and rear mounts to go.

But will need to figure out a way to hold the engine upon drop of the subframe.
buy a brace or make one myself, hmm

Köp Pela Supportbalk för motor/växellåda hos Verktygsboden.

not very expensive but dont see any obvious place to mount it on the engine?

Suggestions?

Best

Christian

 

Also B1mcp I see we have almost the same garage, except I dont have a X-type:=)

 

Well strictly speaking I don't have an X Type either, it's my wife's but it's part of our "fleet" and I have the pleasure of maintaining it .

I would just buy a support if they're cheap (they are in the UK). I supported the engine with a chain around the inlet manifold like this.

 

Hi

Spend the last couple of days, making my on engine brace. Feels very solid.
Will also support the sump with jack stand just to be safe.

One question do, how much of a difference did you guys feel after replacing the bushings in the front suspension.

reason why I ask is, itīs alot of work, and feeling little or no result would be quite the disappointment.

Sunday regards

Christian

 

Hi Christian,

Our '93 XJ40 has essentially the identical suspension to the X300, and the difference after replacing the front suspension bushings was significant. The ride, handling, stability and steering all improved noticeably, and I definitely felt it was worth all of the work.

You won't get the full benefit until you also do the rear suspension bushes, particularly the large rear subframe isolation bushes, which have a surprising impact on handling and steering precision.

I would also suggest that you consider replacing your front wheel bearings and shock top bushes while you're at it. It will never be easier and the parts are inexpensive.

I have photos of a lot of this work in my photo albums - see the link in my signature.

Cheers,

Don

 

Hi Don

That's great to hear. Will be replacing coils and dampers as well.
Since i am dropping the frame vee and engine mounts Will be changed as well.
This spring I replaced cool and dampers rear. Did not change the a frame bushes
But might do it if you think its ā god Idea. Have seen and much appriciated your photos. Gold worth in My work with the car.

Best regards

Christian

 

Hi guys

In from the garage, working a couple a nights a week on the car, itīs not going fast but ...
Eventually.
The brace is finished, will be hanging the engine in rope two per side, hanging in the in and out manifolds, seems pretty solid.
Have tried loosening the vee, engine and rear mounts. moves freely so thx for no rust there.
One question comes to mind before I finaly drop the frame.
How to align the frame again I am thinking of the vee and engine mounts especially.
Small holes and deep down.
How to get back there to fasten it?
Any tricks ?

Best

Christian

 

Update on the work.

Gave up pressing out the bushings myself.
Destroyed my homemade press and work table in the process!
Has left it to the workshop, waiting for parts to come from UK meanwhile.
Looking forward to putting new fresh parts in:=)

Have a nice sunday.

/Christian