On a 93 Xj6 while driving, a loud sound came from outside that turned out to be the subframe breaking up. It broke in more than one place where the top of the spring rests on the passenger side. I think that 20 years ago when a family member smacked the front left wheel/tire that the subframe became compromised and has been developing rust along cracks that finally gave way 20 years later. There is some rust along the areas where the subframe has separated and created 1/4 inch gaps.

Ever since the incident 20 years ago, the wheel would sit with negative camber - the top of the wheel tilted inward. This prevented the car from being aligned properly so I knew that something must have been bent. I now know that the subframe damage was causing the improper stance.

The car was driving fine until the subframe broke. Then the car was driven home and the steering is now a little sloppy and the car pulls to the side where the damage is when the brakes are applied hard.
Has anyone else had there subframe break apart like this?
I know BMW E46 owners weld there rear subframes. What are the chances that this XJ6 front subframe can be welded back together?

Anyone have a link to the procedure for removing the front subframe?
Thanks.

 

There is tremendous amount of force in these springs so if the top of subframe gave up where the spring sits, first thing I'd do is to strap and secure the spring, you do not want it to shot out of the wheel well, it can be deadly. There are some truly gruesome stories out there, about people getting seriously injured with these springs.

Removing old subframe is easy, you just support the engine from the top, secure the springs and undo shocks, steering column, vee mounts, engine mounts and two subframe bolts and it drops down. Its basic spannering, nothing more, just takes time.

I'd look for a replacement subframe, plenty in UK and they are cheap, hopefully you can also find one in US. I wouldn't weld it because its structural, because of springs and where it gave up and since it's already broken in multiple places, the damage has been done and I doubt you'd ever get it done properly.

 

This is what Salvage Yards are for.

bob

 

I meant the front right wheel/tire not front left.

 

Definitely a salvage yard deal. I bought a complete subframe for my 94 from my local yard for $150. They pulled it for me and the guy doing it was careful to save as many bolts as possible. What a guy! You should be able to get one fairly easily. There are various threads by a few members on this subject (myself included) showing the process. Also check on the Jag-Lovers forums for similar "corroborating evidence." Best wishes with yours.

 

I would like to renew all the bushings using Powerflex bushings while I replace the front subframe. I am compiling a list of what I need. Please chime in if you can help me complete the list.

Part Information:
[1] PFF27-401 Front Wishbone Lower Arm Front. [Pack of 2]
[2] PFF27-402 Front Wishbone Lower Arm Rear. [Pack of 2]
[3] PFF27-403 Front Lower Shock Mount Bush. [Pack of 2]
[4] PFF27-405-22 Front Anti Roll Bar Mount 22mm. [Pack of 2]
[4] PFF27-405-24 Front Anti Roll Bar Mount 24mm. [Pack of 2]
[4] PFF27-405-25 Front Anti Roll Bar Mount 25mm. [Pack of 2]

Which one do I need for the Front Anti roll bar mount? 22, 24, or 25mm?

[5] PFF27-302 Front Upper Wishbone Bush [Pack of 4]

I need the part # for the Vee mounts (2)
I need the part # for the Engine mounts (2) Are there different part #s for the left and the right?
I need the part # for the bushings for the K frame legs (the back part of the subframe) (2)

Maybe I will do the power steering bushings while I am at it.

New Struts with upper and lower mounts.

Am I missing something?
Anything else you can think of that I should do please feel free to make a suggestion.

Also, where is a good place that sells these?

Thanks guys.

 

The only polybush that I would recommend are, lower shock bushes and top wishbone bushes. I can also highly recommend genuine vee mounts, aftermarket can be a hit and miss, not only they might not fit but also separate much easier than genuine ones. Any more poly suspension bushes may ruin your ride, been reported many times. I had top shocker polybushes in the past and they were way too hard. I've fitted much larger top rear shocker isolators eventually and that worked best, not only they last much better(bushes still look brand new after 10k miles) but retain the comfort, they are also cheaper than original smaller bushes(that said, you'd need some larger washers from rear shockers too if you go that way).

 

Hi supra-raleigh,

Sorry to join your thread late. You can view the parts diagrams and part numbers at jaguarclassicparts.com.

Good sources for suspension parts include our forum sponsors SNG Barratt, Jagbits and Welsh Enterprises, as well as Rock Auto, Parts Geek, FCPEuro and others.

Cheers,

Don