I jacked up my XJS up for the first time today (Jacking point didn't collapse - yay!), reason being that the front right caliper had siezed on so wanted to inspect it.

I had a sharp poke at the subframe with a screwdriver while I was there & did this:



Is it best to try & find another one to swap over or attempt a weld repair? I can't see many available second hand & would think most, having been on the UK roads for 20+ years, will be in a similar state.
I'm guessing I should probably replace all the bushes/balljoints/springs if I remove it.

 

Easiest to just replace the entire axle. It isn't a hard job. Can be done within a good half day - even for a starter.

Some seem to be in better condition. You can though opt for one from an XJ6/XJ12 (Series I-III) as they are the same part. Or do it my way and simply replace all rubber mounts, bushes and co at the same time

 

DEFINITELY replace it. That has had it, VERY dangerous. Loads of breakers have good second hand ones, with or without the wishbones etc attached. Remove from car, strip it, replace all the worn bits, reassemble on replacement subframe (which you should protect against future rust as thoroughly as possible) and have a lovely new factory fresh font end. A bit of work, but quite doable if you have the car undercover. Or you are an outdoor actionman like Daim!
Greg

 

I have a decent bare front cross-member here and also the rear cage
can forward photos if interested

Sand blast powdercoat and replace that rusted out member
Your does look to be well gone

 

Yes please 289, if you could forward me some pics it'd be appreciated. Although i'm in Hampshire so quite far away!

Ok, I will get this replaced. The car is in a single garage - not a huge amount of room to manoeuvre round it but I should manage ok. The main issue I have is getting space to jack the car up from both sides - can you jack on the centre of the subframe?
I definitely like the idea of it all being sorted - would be good to tighten it all up.

At this rate I might look at getting a second MOT failure car for cheap for parts. The list of little bits I need is growing by the day.

 

Yes you can lift it in the middle of the subframe... But check first that it isn't as rusty

I've gone full front axle overhaul. New springs, shocks, rubbers, brake stuff and co. How often dpnyou get the chance to do so?

 

Quick wire brush to remove scale and old paint.........but solid metal

 

Mine didn't look too bad from the underside.
Different story when it came out though:

 

If you're buying a used sub-frame, make sure you see it fully shot-blasted before you buy it. There are a number of really critical areas that can corrode, particularly the bottom of the spring pan.

As mentioned, it is pretty easy to buy a used or refurbished sub-frame, especially as you don't have to be too critical about it being an XJS one. The differences on a Series XJ one only extend to pipe clips etc. If you get a repainted one, see if you can see pics of it when it was blasted before re-painting. You also might want to consider joining the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, Classic British Cars, Jaguar Owners Club, Jaguar Tool Hire, The largest Jaguar Club covering all models including E-type, S-type, X300, XJS, XJ, Mark 2, XK8 as there will be a number of members local to you.

Good luck

Paul

 

Well, I jyut got the message I didn't want to hear: my subframe is repaorable, but would cost around €500 to be welded - and that doesn't include worktime.

For the same proce, I can get 4 complete axles with brakes, springs, wishbones and co! Not cool