Dear All,

My X308 needs a lower ball joint replacing.

My mechanic is talking about replacing the whole suspension arm.

I see ball joints are available separately - is it difficult to separate the old one and fit a new one in the existing arm?

Cheers et al.

 

I just had my entire front end rebuilt with poly bushes and new ball joints up front. I didn't do it at home as it is a little much for me to do plus the TVR would be stuck outside while it was done. My mechanic said it took every bit of his 20 ton press to get the old ball joints out. The way Jag designed it makes it tough to press in and out he said. Funny though, Jag wouldn't sell him just the ball joints (claimed they don't exist even though there is a part number and all). My guess is it probably is cheaper to buy the new arm with the b.j. and a new bushing in there unless you're like me and want the car to handle a little less buick like.

Jaguar here does seem to want crazy money for theirs vs. aftermarket. So you may want to check that option out too.

 

From what I've read and pics I've seen on the forum, it is probably quicker to take the arm off, however, I suspect that it will change the geometry of the suspension on that side requiring alignment - I understand that this is because the lower control arm balljoint assembly forms part of the lower wishbone/spring pan assembly....either way it sounds that if you have a mechanic do it - one is going to pay a lot either way as most of the cost is labour not parts in UK....same in USA? Allan