Hi everyone !
I just started disassembling my 1985 XJ6 Series 3 "barn find" front suspension to replace all the bushings and ball joints. Mainly because of blown / petrified boots on all the ball joints and one of the rack bushings, the ball joints still "seem" good but why take a chance so I decided to do everything while doing the job. I'm using the standard rubber kit from Welsh with sealed lower ball joints but got a separate set of poly bushes to upgrade the steering rack. I just removed the springs using 4 pieces of 3/8-24 all thread ( takes about an hour per side loosing each of nut 1/4-1/2" at a time ...PITA ! ). Currently cleaning / painting those parts and about to remove everything else.

My question is what bushings should or should not be greased during reassembly and how ? Per the manual, the wishbones are to be coated with "Esso process oil 'L' " before being pressed in. What WAS that ? I have a good selection of lithium greases, anti seize, and a tube of silicon O ring lube / grease.

I'll post some pictures shortly showing my progress.

Thanks for any advice / opinions !

Cheers,
Brian

 

Esso turned into Exxon I think. A gasoline and oil refiner.

 

I'd use your silicone product on the lower control arm bushings as it'll make the pressing-in a bit easier. Shouldn't need any sort of on any of the other bushings.

Reminder: don't fully tighten those big lower control arm nuts until the weight of the car is on the suspension

Cheers
DD

 

I think Doug has it right, All my poly bushes came with small tubes of their own special sauce that was a silicone jell. I wouldn't use petroleum grease on them.

Dave