In what instances does it make more sense to replace the entire sway bar (and bushings) rather than just the bushings themselves?

For example, I know that with the control arm bushings, the job is often cheaper to have done if you get the entire arm (which have the bushings already a part) installed, rather than just swapping out the bushings themselves, which--in the case of the control arms--is a pain because of the need to use a press.

Thanks, all...

SirJag

 

the anti role bar has a set limited travel, well within the spring steel material spec' it's made from. The only reason I'd see is if it snapped in half or you changed out the whole suspension from say comfort to sport. The bushes are easy to do, maybe 10 minutes. Undo the lower bolt each side, slide out the old and slide in the new, then tighten the bolts job done.

 

SOOOOO I replaced sway bar bushings and sway arm links in the front OMG!!!! noise is gone and it rides awesome
I just ordered the sway bar bushings and links for the back also
I changed them on my S-type in the past and if I would of knew it was the problem in the start I would of just did it instead of playing guessing games with different mechanics
So people lesson to learn KISS keep it simple stupid
Hope this helps you

 

I had 3 different mechanics check for wheel-play, wedge in prybars, etc. and all 3 said the same thing, only the outer tie rods seem worn - everything else looks fine plus the sway bar is very tight.

So I changed the outer tie rods, got new tires and an alignment and it does indeed handle substantially better BUT the clunking noise is still there.

At this point, it is just a noise that is heard over bumps since the car drives great now, but what could it be if there is no obvious play in any of the suspension/wheel components?

Two of the three said if they change the shocks it would likely fix the noise, but I think they are just guessing on that; opinions?

 

Engine mounts? these can fail leading to a slow speed clunk going over bumps, a common problem.

 

If your front end isn't dipping too much when braking, or rising too much on acceleration, and not bouncing too much when you push down and let go, then you probably don't need shock! (like my scientific approach?) I'd look at the top shock mount bushings and the lower ones, too. If you replace those, you might get rid of the clunk, but I doubt if it's the shocks themselves.

 

Installed both front sway bar bushings and 2 new sensen shocks...parts total $80 shipped...Now not one noise and a sweeter more firm drive!!!

 

Thanks - does not seem to be an engine mount as there is no noise when at standstill I dip hard on the throttle and then immediately release it (which max-stresses the mounts and would trigger any noise from them.)

If I swap the shocks and/or shock-mount-bushings, is that going to alter the alignment?

OldMike, truthfully, I don't know if it sways/dips too much for a Jag, my last car had a much firmer ride and was always level up until very hard turns, so maybe?

w1n, $80/shipped for a pair of shocks & bushings, from where??

 

The sway bar bushings i got off of ebay for $14 and some change shipped ...the shocks i got from APX auto parts (Link below)for $67.98 shipped!!!
Cheapest i could find them... hope i helped some folks out.


APX Auto Parts Home page

 

Thanks for posting.

Can you clarify, please? There are the sway bar bushings and the links. What did you actually buy... just the bushings? How many?

Thanks,

SirJag

 

I don't think i could have been any more clear....I bought two sway bar bushings...and two front shocks...

 

Do you have instructions for this - on 1998 Vanden Plas.

 

Welcome to the forum acep2,

There's a number of different front suspension parts discussed in this thread. You should identify which you want to replace.

When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST section and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice on posting to the forum.

Graham