I recently purchased a 1983 XJ6 and going through many of the old/original parts and swapping them out to prepare for a 1000 mile road rally around Lake Michigan in the spring. I have a LONG list... but one of those items is to replace the front suspension bushings, which have seen much better days.

My question... can I replace these front suspension unit bushing, while on car car, relatively simply?

The service manual leads me to believe I can do this... and simply need to:

1. set the car on jack stands at the lifting points (already in that position)
2. support the suspension unit with a floor jack
3. loosen the retaining nut for the bolt that connects the bushing to the frame
4. loosen the bolt that tightens the strap-like assembly around the bushing to the suspension unit
5. slightly lower the jack
6. tap the bushing out
7. retain the sleeve and install into new bushing
8. push the bushing and sleeve back on to the mounting bolt
9. tighten the bolt that tightens the strap-like assembly around the bushing to the suspension unit
10. reattach the nut (and complementary washers, etc.) to the mounting bolt.
11. REPEAT on other side.

Thoughts? Instructions? Watch-outs? Tips/tricks?

Thanks in advance! -Nick

 

I think you mean the large subframe bushes that attach the front subframe to the front of the chassis under the radiator? The ones with 6 holes in the rubber, and a massive huge nut and bolt going through the middle?
If so, these are not suspension bushes (which are to attach the wishbones - control arms to you - to the subframe). The ones you describe sound like the ones that insulate the front of the subframe from the body monocoque.
If this is indeed what you mean, your method will be fine.
BUT, you MUST use genuine Metalastik brand to replace the old ones.

 

Don't forget the engine mounts sit on the subframe so you've got the weight of the engine on it. Also don't forget about the two mounts at the back of the subframe. They're likely to be knackered too.

 

Good Luck finding those! Certainly there are NONE left on the planet for Lower Wishbones.

I found a chart for relative hardness of Poly in various applications:
https://www.eeuroparts.com/blog/how-...poly-bushings/

Here would be a Wonderful niche item especially for Classic Jaguar Enthusiasts; To set up a small backyard factory to manufacture Long Lasting suspension bushings made of Poly about as hard as the original Metalastik bushings.

Best of both worlds! Soft and resilient as Metalastic, long lasting like Poly.

Now I just need the backing...........
(';')

 

This is exactly what I was referring to, thank you! Will keep everyone posted on progress.

 

Well SNG Barratt list the genuine Jaguar part: -
https://www.sngbarratt.com/English/#...e-a2df67e3acb0
Mind you, it is over three times the price of the repro items, but as you will only replace these once in your lifetime, better to spend the money, I say !
Also they have the rear V-mounts
https://www.sngbarratt.com/English/#...7-629610719ac2
Cost nearly twice the repros, but again, you'll be dead before you have to replace another one.

 

Thank you, Fraser,
I'll give it a look, but previously I found no Metalastik Lower Wishbone bushings there..
But that was 2 weeks ago. Things might be different now.
(';')

 

LnrB, What's the original part number we are all looking for? Ian

 

But Naber is replacing the subframe mounts, not the lower wishbone bushes.

 

Well.. successfully removed one of the bushings, but the subframe bushing sleeve was totally ceased to the old bushing. So, for those replacing these bushings, make sure to buy new sleeves for each as this sounds like a common problem.

 

I have done 2 cars and have found bushings seized on both, so perhaps it is a common problem. Easily solved with a bit of heat, the bush can be extracted and used again.

 

i wish I could report the same success. Despite heat, I could not get this thing to break free. It’s a silly price, but found them on Moss for $30 and just bit the bullet and ordered new.

 

Item #10 in this illustration. Old number C30314. New number MHC2370AA

https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.../brand/jaguar/

Cheers
DD

 

 

Sorry I'm late, my presence was required elsewhere for a couple days.

Lower Wishbone bushings: C8673

And, rather than hijacking this thread, which I had No intention of doing, I'll start my own on this subject.
(';')

 

Does anyone know what the torque specs are for these two nuts/bolts?
1) through bushing and frame (large bold)
2) bushing retaining clamp, part of subframe (smaller bolt)

thanks!

 

LARGE main bolt at the front, 95 - 115 ft. lbs
Small clamping bolt, 25 -30 ft. lbs.
(';')

 

Thank you very much for the quick response and the help!

 

Useful tip: If you have the front subframe out of the car, ever, then welding the nut (which is at the top) for the round six shot bush bracket to the subframe makes changing the rubber bush far easier, as then it it just a matter of undoing the bolt from below.

 

I may have cheated a bit, as I have my copy of the Jaguar Bible (The Blue Book) open to that very page while working on my own unit - Again!
(';')