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Front subframe and suspension bushes
Hi Folks
After successfully removing and completely overhauling the rear axle, subframe and suspension on my 1999 xj8 I have turned my attention to the front end. I already have new discs, coils and springs to install and as with the rear I want to carry out a complete overall so I am any looking to change any bush that form part of this assembly, other than the obvious ones that I will change ( wishbones, steering rack and roll bar) I cant work out from diagrams how to replace the two main bushes in the subframe assembly. For completeness I would like to change them on the subframe, so is it a straight forward task or does it require complete removal to do? if complete removal is required will I need to support the engine or anything else? and should I expect any other issues or problems? As always, any advice or links would be much appreciated Thanks in advance Ade |
ade55, are you referring to the engine cradle mounts......item 4 in this diagram.
https://www.jaguarmerriamparts.com/p...iagram=4721190 |
Hi Carnival Kid
Yes there are the one's I'd like to change along with all the others. N0 2 in the diagram
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You will need to support the engine if you are removing the front subframe. I completely removed the front subframe when I was replacing those mounting donuts, but I was also doing vee mounts, engine mounts, and some control arm parts. It may be possible to do it in situ but it will be a pain, and you will need to jig something up to press the new bushings in with. Removing the old bushes will probably require cutting the bushing from the inside, to cut its metal "sleeve" so the bushing will collapse on itself and come out. I think I used a jigsaw for that, maybe a hacksaw. Can't remember what adapter I used for pressing new bushings into the frame, but it was a 2 person job, with a helper holding the subframe vertical, and me operating a 12ton press and guiding everything together.
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I have had the V-Bushing done (item #4) and they can be done in situ. I didn't do mine, I had an independent tech do them because I don't have a lift. It took him about an hour and a half if I remember.
I haven't done the other bushings (item #2), but as per nilanium I hear they are a pain. If you haven't already replaced the two motor mounts, they will probably need doing. With all of these items use genuine Jaguar parts. A little more expensive, but these things are such a pain to do you do not want to do them twice, so it is worth paying the extra for OEM parts. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...d60604bb3a.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...0eac56e2ac.jpg |
Sounds like you’re going all-in on the front suspension. I agree with your approach - replace everything while you’re there. Once you get the springs and wishbones off, it’s not a big deal to drop the subframe out from under the engine. You will need to truss the engine from the top side, and you’ll have to remove the steering rack (or at least disconnect the the lines and the steering shaft coupler. I recommend removing the entire suspension system from the subframe with the subframe in-situ. That will make the subframe light enough to handle by yourself. It’s not as heavy as you think it would be...maybe 40-50 pounds. Remember to replace the stabilizer bar bushings and links. I concur with a prior comment suggesting that you buy OEM parts for the entire project, because you don’t want to do it again. That being said, I recall that some OEM parts were not available, but I don’t remember which ones. Might have been the upper wishbone bushings. I had to use aftermarket parts for that. Replace the V-mounts and the motor mounts with OEM parts. Also replace the “rear” motor mount, which is actually on the back of the transmission. The rears one is pretty easy to replace, even if you don’t do it at the same time as the front. But I recommend doing them all at the same time. Pay attention when you press in the new subframe bushings. The holes are offset from center, and must be installed in a specific orientation. When you get that far, if you don’t have a diagram, you can post again and I can help you with the orientation if you like. Take pictures of the old subframe bushings before you press them out. Will help with understanding how the new ones need to be oriented. |
One more thing to consider doing: replacing the starter is MUCH easier with the suspension and subframe out of the way. My starter was dragging once in a while, so I replaced it while I was there. Denso reman starter, wasn’t terribly expensive. |
Hi everyone
As always your knowledge and advice is second to none , I'll carry on and take your tips and do the who!s lot. Once i have it stripped I'll attack a few photos of the main donut bushes before I remove them. I recall when I changed the two large ones on the rear subframe they were also fitted in an exact position to line up with the chassis rail.
As always many thanks to everyone who has replied to my post, without you we would have one big cat less on the road. Kind regards Ade |
To remove and reinstall the front subframe rear bushings, there is a TSB: http://jagrepair.com/images/TSB/TSB2...usp%20tool.pdf
To make life easier you could rent the special tools no 204-225 and 204-116 (JD143) and for the front springs tool no 204-111... Before removing the bushings it is critical to mark their exact position. Otherwise there will be an unpleasent surprise when reinstalling the subframe (in that case the vee-mounts would not be properly aligned to the frame). I've just replaced all the bushings, ball joints, shocks, mounts, anti roll bar links, and brakes in my x308 and I can't wait to see how it turned out... Took me a while:) |
iDon
Thanks for the reply and literature , it sounds like you have just completed what I am about to start, whilst everything is off I am also changing both cats as they have hoes in them and there is a small amount of welding to do on the chassis rail behind the spring on the passenger side. Thanks again Ade |
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