Hi There
New to this so hope this all makes sense. In July I became the proud owner of a beautiful 96 VDP. LOVE this car! Its been virtually trouble free for me and I had decided that if I can, I will do any repairs myself.
Having said that my mechanic (did an oil change today) told me I need to replace the upper and lower control arm bushings in the front end of the car.
I'd like to buy the parts myself but am not sure where to find online or exactly what I need to purchase. Can anyone help point me in the right direction?
Thanks so much!

 

RockAuto has them for your car, very inexpensive too about $5.50 each. You'll need 4 uppers and 2 lower rear and 2 lower front. My XJS uses the same for the lower front and rear but according to RA in looks like yours may be different front/rear depending on VIN. I'm getting ready to do mine on the XJS this week.

 

Thanks so much! Are the Upper ones all the same fit? 4 of the same I mean will do the job? I did read somewhere that the URO bushings arent the greatest - any experience with that - also - can I ask - what is the level of difficulty assigned to such a project HAHA

 

Fcpeuro has the whole bushing set plus ballpoints for about $170 for the x300

Also the job is rarely easy, took me about 3-4hrs per side without a press. Would probably be a lot quicker with the press. The bottom control arm bushings are more work since it involves removing the coil spring also.

 

Unless those bushings are really beat and the wheels are sloppy, I wouldn't bother with them. If your mechanic wants to do the job, he's going to charge you dearly.

Improvements can be made with replacements of shock bushings, sway bar bushings, tie rod ends, and even ball joints if necessary, all of which are much more DIY friendly.

When you have a chance, post up in the New Members' section with an intro and a quick story of your new Vanden Plas and why you love it! Plenty of help here for you.

 

Are you experiencing a specific problem with the ride or handling?

If not, perhaps the mechanic can show you why he believes they need to be changed?

Even better, get under the car and visually inspect all the bushings to see if the rubber has perished. Use a pry bar in various places to see if you can detect unusual movement of the wishbones. Get a helper to push and pull on each front wheel (top to bottom, side to side, in and out) and see if you can see any movement in the bushings or ball joints

If no problems are visible and you have no ride issues, remember the old adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

 

Wow - thanks guys! So I was wrong about the lower bushings - its only the 4 upper control arm bushings that need replacement - and yes they want $500.
The car in wind will practically blow into another lane - not fun in a Canadian winter ... as well I feel just about every bump in the road like I'm driving on steel rims through the steering wheel. The car doesnt feel like a Jag should. This is for sure ... SO having said that .... are the upper control bushings easy enough??? Thanks again!