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With all due respect to all posters here, I would never use the cross member/brace to jack up the car. It just doesn't look strong enough to me and I wouldn't take the chance. Maybe only for a partial lift to get a little clearance but not the whole weight of the car, wether measured in lbs or k's.
I think most of us jack up the crossmember just long enough to set up our jackstands on the sides of the car. Been doing it that way since early February 2012 (always using a 2x4 segment to spread the load) with no issues at all....
I would seriously avoid using the lower radiator support as a jacking point, even when new it’s pretty thin steel. After a few years exposed to the elements and internal corrosion I wouldn’t trust it to support the car even momentarily.
If it bends, replacing that rad support is not trivial requiring nose cone removal and all the fun that goes along with that (e.g. removing headlamps). The support is made up of 2 panels (Main support crossmember FJE4059AA and a reinforcement panel FJB4059AA) both are now NLA. The lower support panel is spot welded to the front structural panel – the complete panel looks like this:
A lot of work right there if you have time on your hands…
There is 1 complete panel available, I believe it’s at All4Jags (France) for 400 Euros, I’d buy it but USA shipping costs would probably give me a nosebleed and I already have the main panel – I’m searching for the reinforcing panel if anyone finds one.
So….put your car on low ramps and jack somewhere else. I use a floor jack and load spreader under the chassis rails which are made from much sturdier material.
i am not sure where else you would lift from, i think if you use a 2x4 to spread the lift it should be fine. still, not well engineered
The reinforced sill lifting points just after the front wheel are the recommended lifting points although you obviously need two jacks if you wish to lift both front wheels at the same time.
With all due respect to all posters here, I would never use the cross member/brace to jack up the car.
+1 and Amen to that. The inner sill points are especially reinforced for jacking/lifting purposes. Both the owners manual and workshop manuals highlight this and specifically warn against lifting under any part of the cross beam that is the rad support. For those without access to a hoist, using a jack, then body stand, under one side then the other is a safe and effortless method of elevating the front of the car . . . and comes with the added advantage that you have unlimited access to everything under the front of the vehicle!
IMHO, this is not an example of poor design . . . but rather a failure to follow written procedures. I say this not to offend, but to highlight that procedures in manuals, TSBs and the like are given after careful thought to make life safer and easier (and to avoid what may be huge expense when something goes wrong!).
+1 and Amen to that. The inner sill points are especially reinforced for jacking/lifting purposes. Both the owners manual and workshop manuals highlight this and specifically warn against lifting under any part of the cross beam that is the rad support. For those without access to a hoist, using a jack, then body stand, under one side then the other is a safe and effortless method of elevating the front of the car . . . and comes with the added advantage that you have unlimited access to everything under the front of the vehicle!
IMHO, this is not an example of poor design . . . but rather a failure to follow written procedures. I say this not to offend, but to highlight that procedures in manuals, TSBs and the like are given after careful thought to make life safer and easier (and to avoid what may be huge expense when something goes wrong!).
Cheers.
Have you read the X100 workshop manual, your comments are the opposite to what the manual indicates.
^^
I was just looking at this in the 3rd edition before I saw your reply.
So, it has persisted through to the 4.2L.
I wonder if Jaguar ever got any warranty claims resulting from the use of the 'Workshop Jack'? Of course, not going to happen anyway once the warranty expires (we did try to contact you about your extended warranty sir...)
This old curmudgeon thinks that, along with the centre-of-subframe for the rear, it's not the best idea.
Have you read the X100 workshop manual, your comments are the opposite to what the manual indicates.
Yes, I have, and I take your point regarding the first warning in the procedures. My point relates to the second warning not to lift under the rad support cross beam, which was exactly the error highlighted by the OP. I regard the first (jacking one wheel) as by far the lesser of two evils. Without it, we could never change a flat tyre beside the road! OTOH, I have seen not only DIY but also trained mechanics confuse the rad support beam with the main front cross-member, with dire results, just as the OP has reported.
Of the two warnings, my years of experience point to the advice I offered . . . mind you, I have for many years enjoyed the benefit of a 4ton hoist, which eliminates the up-and-down using crawler that my old back no longer enjoys. That said, I applaud your highlighting the issues by way of the manual diagrams . . . anything that emphasizes what is and what is not a jacking point, is commendable . . . hence, my thanks.
A lot of work right there if you have time on your hands…
