Hi. I am about to purchase a 80K miles beauty, but have heard gloomy stories about front suspension needing expensive repairs every 25000 miles.
Is this fact or just stories put around by the opposition?
Your advice would be much appreciated.

 

I think they are stories!! I replaced the front upper shock mounts, upper wishbone bushings, and ball joints myself for about $500 in parts.

depending on what you get for replacement bushings, costs may be more, but reasonable and done right, should get you plenty of driving miles before you have to replace again.

The upper shock mounts are a foam material that disintegrates over time (I believe I read they are good for 100K miles). I am at 125K and replaced them at 115k

 

^What kind of specialty tools do you need to do that work? Spring compressor, ball joint spreader? please explain...

My front suspension is feeling really old at 75k miles. I went to a firestone shop and had them resurface the rotors and they said the front suspension seemed fine... I was hoping they would diagnose something wrong with it.

I also have a slight clunk when going over speedbumbs angled. and it feels like there is more bodyroll than there used to be.

 

to replace the upper shock mounts, you will need a spring compressor (can get a loaner from Advance or Auto Zone - small fee that is refunded upon return). For ball joints, you will need a ball joint press, large breaker bar and a stationary vise to hold the press -trust me, I did not have the vise or breaker bar and it took entirely way too long to pop the old ball joints out and install the new!!!!

Otherwise, it is a pretty straightforward procedure - videos are available in the how to section as well as plenty of instruction here or on Gus's web site (see links below)

JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-up-faq-35721/

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...eplaced-35864/

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-videos-77768/

 

+1 on Steve's comments.

I would add that for a small fee (~$30-$45) any decent shop can press those ball joints in for you. They can be a PITA!

 

UK... For my two cents worth, I dont think these cars are any harder than any other car on front suspension components. As stated, the singular most unreliable part is probably the upper strut plates. They will "knock" over sharp little bumps as a telltale that they are worn out. Typically at about 70k or so miles, depending on the environment, etc. Mine went 100k. In the US, the plates retail for about $250+ each. I hear that Rock Auto now has them for about 1/2 of that. As far as labor... I have found the front suspension on these to be no more difficult than any. In some ways, even easier! Any competent auto repair shop can perform the work if you dont feel comfortable with it. However, I would recommend someone familiar with these cars to do the actual alignment. There is alot of info in the threads on this site concerning various specifics of the XK suspension. Worth reading.

 

+1 on both Steve and Chopr's comments. I had mine torn down in a short afternoon, basic tools and what was already suggested will get it done. Ball joint removal and installation should be shop done, unless you have your own 10 ton press. removal of lower wishbone bushes a little more difficult than top. Parts easily available, I have interweb shopped for best prices. Mileage was at 93k, car was obviously well mainted previously, but felt time for a refresh, went a little over the top on the refurb, but can't wait to get her on the streets when finished, maybe even a little Walter Mitty at Road Atlanta, good luck on your refurb.

BK