Rh side

Lh side
I didn't catch this visual during my pre-purchase check out months ago but I did drive it hard on two occasion to include speed and twists and turns with no problems. Finally saw this yesterday while changing air filters and cleaning my MAF. Immediately did the ball joint tire pull check and tire bar ball joint checks but all was very tight with no movement or sound. Just drove it for a 30 mile highway trip with no issues (beautiful central Texas day). It actually drove better than my test drive 6 months ago. Anyway, once I saw this my immediate plans where to change the upper arms and joints (87K miles) but just thought I'd post this for thoughts. Thanks. Hope the pics come through.

 

Just changed mine at 94k on a XK - I could hear them creaking Bought the parts myself and had a local tire shop install them.

 

If the joints are still fine, just get replacement clamp-on rubber boots. Why replace something at great expense and effort that only needs a cover?

 

Where would I find clamp on boots? Would I normally get a warning if the upper ball joints are going bad? Or is it instantaneous? Thanks.

 

A vehicle can drive on totally worn out ball joints for years. It'll handle like dogshit, but still drive "okay".
I can't recall where the clamp-on boots are specifically. I remember people using them though.

 

I'm of the opinion that if you've confirmed no issues with the joint, replace the boots only. Your choice. You can give this thread a read. There are links to sources for the parts. You need a caliper to measure. The replacement is an easy chore.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...d-ends-181759/