Hi everyone.

Following a recent visit to my local Jaguar Dealership, it was noted that my lower ball joint on my XJ8 Sovereign LWB ('98) have slight play, and I was advised to have these replaced.

I was quoted 531.00 GBP but have seen the ball joints advertised for around 20.00 gbp each.

Rather than pay the ridiculous labour rates at my Jag Dealer, I was wondering if anyone has replaced these on their Jag, and if you have a step by step procedure so I can pass this onto my local friendly garage who haven't touched a ball joint on our type of vehicels before.

Also, does anyone know if a spring compressor is required for this job, and what are the torque settings to apply?

Thanks in advance!

 

Just replaced the upper and lower ball joints on my 98 VDP with 168,000 mi. The lower ball joints were shot with a lot of play. I first tried to use a ball joint separator that looked like big clothes pin .... don't waste your money. Also, a pickle fork is worthless for this job.

What works is the large C-clamp with the various pipe tubes. I used one that had an opening of about 14" to 16" and a drive screw that was an inch in diameter. With the torque that was applied to press out the ball joints I am not sure if a c-clamp with a drive screw less than 1/2 inch will hold up.

 

I need a lower ball joint fixed on my 01 XJ8 Sov, was going to have my mech do it. Yeah they are cheap to buy, I get all the parts first and give them to the mechanic to fit. I suspect my L/H Sock absorber is in need of replacement also. :/

 

Yeah, the front shocks are on my long to do list. For me it's one problem or upgrade at a time. It seems like after I passed the 150k mark things started to break or wear down.

 

Most important part of doing the rear ball joints is make sure they are pressed fully in fully. After that, just drive fast!

 

a $10 pickel fork worked just fine to replace mine