I have my 2007 XK (with 81K miles on the odometer) on jackstands because the 19" Carelia wheels are being refinished. While waiting for the return of the wheels/tires, I thought I would take a few photos of the suspension.

I've owned the car for a year and have replaced the front steering tierods, the rear toe-in rods and the rear sway bar links because of cracked rubber seals at the balljoints.

I noticed that the rear suspension, lower suspension arms are starting to show cracking in the rubber bushings closest to the rear of the car, but no lubricant is coming out. Any opinions on if/when I should replace them, and how hard is this job?

I also noticed on the front suspension, very large yellow plastic bushings on the lower control arm. Are those bushings aftermarket? The photos are of the right front suspension.

 

 

I would't change any of them until chunks start coming out. I'm also not 100% sure the yellow one isn't an OEM piece. Jag was pretty clever about our suspensions, knowing which joints to make stiff for handling and which to make soft for a quieter / softer ride.

 

Yellow is aftermarket.

These guys are pretty good and stock a few different brands .

With the xk/r what I'm finding is the suspension components start to fail after a certain amount of time rather than the mileage .

In terms of changing the components it all depends on how handy you are with a wrench

13,15 & 18mm plus t60 are the main tools required

 

Thanks for suggesting a source of aftermarket parts. parts.com has the correct Jaguar lower control arms for USD267 each, so aftermarket results in substantial savings.

 

Bushings alone, although not sold by Jaguar, are a much lower cost replacement option. Yes, you can buy ones that fit the arms.

 

Can you please suggest a source, and does this require a machine shop to install the bushings?

 

I've not done it myself, but I've read up on several threads in this forum about it. Some posts have links to parts.
All that would be required is to press out the old and press in the new, so either a press or some honkin' C-clamps (with required spacers).

 

Patrick was it the front or the rear lower control arms for USD267 ?

Rockauto have mevotech rear lower control arms for $139 each

 

This is usually not a difficult job. You do need a press as it can't be done with C clamps. It takes most of the time to remove and install the components then it does to press out and press in new bushings. If someone doesn't have a press they can take it to a machine shop and get it done. Simple and inexpensive job for them to do. You may find it is less expensive to just buy the replacement components after you consider costs.

 

Rear lower control arms.

I am wondering whether the Mevotech arms are made with aluminum or steel?

Thanks!

I may defer this repair for a while, but wanted to formulate a plan of action with the help of the group.

I have noticed that, when going over a bump, the rear of the car tends to wiggle just a little. I just installed Michelin Pilot Sport tires and the wiggle persists...I am wondering if this is evidence that the control arms are getting loose.

 

The mevotech items are aluminum

In terms of bushes inspect for cracking, for ball joint joints once again cracking and usually a visible ooze of grease.

 

Upper control arms can be bought online as Ford/Motorcraft parts, but will come stamped "Jaguar" and "Made in England"

Hear are the part number equivalents, thanks again Jahummer for your posting a while back:
FRONT
MotorCraft MCSOE38 = 6W4Z3084AA
MotorCraft MCSOE39 = 6W4Z3085AA

REAR
6W4Z5500AB
6W4Z5500AA

 

You can change the upper control arm bushings only, not the ball joint so it it's shot, replace the arm. If the ball joint isn't shot, you can just get the bushings and press them in as others have said.

C clamp or vice will do. Put the new bushings in the freezer over night and then use a heat gun on the arm to expand it after you remove the old bushings. Put a little viener slider (aka vaseline) on the bushings too for an easier fit when pressing them in. Slow and steady to keep the press even.

Avoid hammers as the arms are aluminum. I'd personally avoid poly bushes as they're too loud and harsh for my taste. It doesn't matter that they last forever if your ride is crap.

Lastly, you can buy replacement boots as well so if your ball joints are otherwise ok, just re-cover them.

 

I just bought the brand new Jaguar (Ford/Motocraft) upper control arms from Walmart, best price I could find and arrived in 2 days with free shipping. They are indeed Jaguar Parts and I was pleasantly surprised.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Motorcraf...-Susp/48279085 $127.68

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Motorcraf...-Susp/48279090 $149.27 (price was closer to the other one when I purchased)

Cheers,

Dave

 

Well I'll be damn . I'm still laughing and can't believe I could buy Jaguar parts at Walmart. Next someone will say you can by Ferrari parts at Amazon. What a country.

 

Probably an online purchase? Walmart, Target, Costco, Sears and pretty much every major retailer has everything in the world available on the Internet. They don't Stock or Carry these weird parts, but they will act as middleman and get them for you from wherever they can. Sort of like a small version of Amazon.

 

Nope, I never buy from a 3rd Party at Walmart.com.

These are plainly stated on the page and on my invoice "Sold & shipped by Walmart" , if I am unsatisfied and want to return them I can go to any Walmart store and get a refund.

Cheers,

Dave

 

 

I don't know if this FB video will post correctly, but I'll try it anyway.
This is the way I've taken out bushings when they get finicky.........
https://www.facebook.com/revvmatch/videos/750893141774350/