Is it possible to replace the front lower wishbone ball joint rubber cover without removing the whole arm, can the ball joint be split and a new cover slipped on?

 

Yes but normally if the boot has been open for a few days, especially on joints that are 'lifetime lubricated', a new boot is only prolonging the inevitable. Grit and/or water have undoubtedly contaminated the joint and without being able to adequately flush the joint with new grease it's life span has been greatly reduced. Then there's the problem of finding a boot that fits properly as they aren't cataloged separately.

 

They are not that hard to change the whole ball joint and not expensive

 

Having spent the best part of this week replacing the front springs and upper wishbone bushes that I destroyed trying to get the fulcrum pin out I really cant face any more sheared bolts. I have some covers that may fit so will try that first. Still to tackle the rear springs and lower shock absorber bushes. Please tell me I did the worst end first otherwise I may just be farming the rears out to someone else.

 

You should see the the wishbone job I did recently (actually you can take a look HERE)

I would like to say the rear will be easier.... but maybe a little, kind of on par, at least with the front you can see what you are doing, and if you dont have the proper tools to remove and refit the lower damper bush on the back you will not have a fun time.

I actually do them in situ and there was a drawing put up on the forum of the tool I use, otherwise you will need to remove the damper with the top pan and do it on a flypress, it is the 4 nuts/studs holding the top pan up which can be a chore, had them shear a few times!

 

Not encouraging news Tony, looks like it is going to someone else then, pity your not a bit closer to Grimsby. Thanks for the info though.

 

Although ending up doing upper wishbone bushes on every Jaguar I've had since the XJ40, I've so far avoided the even greater delights of the rear bushes. It can only be a matter of time

Have you a link / copy drawing of the tool you use?

Graham

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...n-clunk-53209/

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