Hey Guys,

I'm getting a nasty knocking from my suspension and considering my bushings (located above the shocks) are pretty well worn I'm assuming this is the cause of the noise I'm hearing. I've been told that you have to have a certain tool (hydraulic press?) to press the bushings in place but visibly, it looks like I just have to loosen a nut and replace the bushing. Is this going to take a specialty to rebuild or can I just do it myself? Thanks in advance!

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...shings-105157/


This thread

 

My replacement thread here with pics:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...cs-how-128562/

Per the discussion in the thread, you can remove and replace the bushings with a BFH and a properly sized socket, but risk damaging the $300 base plate if you choose to go that route.

The economy in this repair is not buying the entire bushing and plate assembly for big money from the dealer.

Paying an automotive shop $20 or so to properly press the old bushings out and the new ones in without damage makes economic sense to me.

BTW, I replaced my front and rear sway bar bushings and links at the same time and the car drives like new now. I forget the exact cost, but I think it was only about $120 for the bushings and links. If your shock bushings are gone, the sway bar stuff probably needs to be replaced too. And the sway bar work was fairly easy except the front bar was very big and heavy compared to the back.

You don't have your year or model in your sig so I can't tell what you have, but I think only the "R" types have the rear sway bar.
Vecgtor

 

I was quoted about $300 for the rebuild of the bushings but since it seems as simple as I anticipated, I'll just do it myself. Thanks for the replies fellas!!

 

It's about $50 for the bushings, $20-50 for a shop to do the press work and about two hours labor, plus driving time to and from the shop for a DIYer.
Vector

 

Hey guys, I was told/would prefer to use the stock red bushings but cant find them anywhere, only the black polyurethane. Does anybody happen to know where I can find the stock front bushings?? Or used the black polyurethane and can give me a reiview? Thanks!

 

Who told you that?

I used the black ones and am happy with the result.

The dealer only sells the "original" bushings as an assembly with the mounting plate included at about $300 or so per side.

Given the fact that the original "red/orange" bushings tend to disintegrate and turn to dust, we may all be better off long term the the black poly, which should last longer.
Vector

 

WAIT! It depends on temperature. The polys tend to get very hard and rattle in very cold weather; they also squeak more. Not a big deal and certainly not worth the excessive cost of the factory replacements (Vector's point); but there is a difference in feel.

 

FYI I was experiencing the same thing and thought my uppers might be bad as it is common on this forum, however mine were fine and it was my lowers.

With the car on the ground you cant tell until you unload the front suspension.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...gs-wow-119004/

Chris

 

I have only heard of the sqeak happening with sway bar bushings, never the upper shock bushings, but then again I live in Florida, lol!
Vector

 

Well after an extensive search and calling around I could only get the Poly's, which I'm hoping will arrive today. From what I was told they're fairly soft and should be much of a noticeable change in drive quality.


Vector, I'm located in FL as well...Orlando specifically. Where abouts are you??

 

Central Florida near Inverness, Citrus County.
Vector

 

Nice! I'll be on the lookout for your ride if I'm ever around that area!


So, replaced the bushings no problem, took about 2 hours including drive time to the local mechanic. Feels slightly stiffer but I don't mind it since I hate driving sensitive cars anyways and its hardly even noticeable honestly.


After driving for a day, I started her up and there was a hissing noise with a chemically type smell. No warning lights and it was dark so will have to take a look at it when I get home from work when there is still light out.


If its not one thing its another...

 

I'll be looking for you too, or maybe you would like to take a scenic to Citrus County and we could meet at my place on the lake and talk cars.

PM me for more info about my picturesque area and the where and when.

Maybe we can get some Florida Jag guys out of their caves to join us for a change, lol!

Did you remember to bolt down the power steering pump after the repair?

I almost left mine just dangling next to the fender when I was done.
Vector

 

Sounds good!


Yes, definitely. I'm hoping its just something simple. I've owned this car for almost 3 years now with no issues at all but in the past 6 months its been one thing after another.