Hi all,

My mechanic is about to do my subframe bushes as my NSR one has collapsed this week (99 XJR, 120,000 miles) resulting in metal to metal knocks in the last week, terrible, vague handling & rear end steer under acceleration. I've got new front subframe bushes & front discs & pads as well, which he'll fit if the rears go well. (I dont have the luxury of time as I need it next week for the school holidays & The MOT is due on the 22nd).

I have seen various posts covering rear subframe bush changes that have gone well, but I am a little concerned about bolts snapping off on a 15yo car thats lived its life outdoors, especially the main A-Frame bolts, which would potentially mean binning an otherwise very good car..

He did the front lower wishbones & ARB links last year & had no problems at all, but I expect those have been changed at least twice before, whereas I'd expect the rears to be original & untouched, so potentially a problem.

So, have any of you attempted this job & had any of the bolts snap off or strip their threads?

I've also had `low brake fluid`on the dash for the last couple of weeks which he'll be looking into (theres no fault codes coming up on the car when plugged in).

Cheers!

 

Hopefully it will not be a problem as long as your mechanic uses 6-point sockets - I've seen some that used 12-point sockets on tight bolts then complain of a sheared bolt head.
For what its worth I did my rear shocks on my old x300 (same set up) which involved removal of most of the rear A-frame assembly - the bolts were tight but came out with a 3-4 foot breaker bar/extension set up - these bolts are fairly sturdy so should come out with a little care - breaker bar first then impact gun would be the best way to go.

Good luck !

AndyP

 

Thanks Andy!

I had some good news this evening, he managed to get it all down with no breakages, changed the bushes over & loosely reassembled it, so it should be done in the morning, then he can change the front discs & pads & see if he'll have time to change the front subframe bushes & look into the brake fluid warning/ABS wiring.

Phew!