Good(early) morning! Not enough coffee yet, but the morning in Placer County, California is quiet and cool. No wildfires near us yet, but ash is on the cars.
....soooo.... BobRoy has recommended having the right front wheel bearings checked out on my 1997 XK 8, convertible. On a cursory search, I am finding a shop range of $389-$500 to do the work. I will start making serious inquiries this morning, starting with Stewart’s in Sacramento, having seen this shop mentioned on the forum. Is the above price range usual for the kind of work? Not kvetching, as I had expected repairs/maintenance updates on a car this old. Didn’t we ALL good at 24 years?
I’m anxious to take the car out and log some miles, to open her up a bit. With under 57K miles, I’m planning to actually drive the car. I was never one to NOT play with my toys, to keep them in original box. So, with Bob’s help/input, and info from forum members, I hope to work through the initial pre-shake-down cruise .
Wheel bearings....?

 

If those prices are for both wheels, it sounds reasonable considering you location.

 

Agree with RJ. Around here that'd be per wheel 3 yrs ago.

John

 

Guys,
yeah, what I was seeing is that the $400-500 was per wheel. Alternative sounds unpleasant, though.
Still digging.
you guys ROCK!

Cindy

 

How complicated is doing a wheel bearing replacement for an XK? Is it something a good non Jag shop could do?

 

I have no clue (been a long day) whether a non- jag shop can do the work on wheel bearings on the car.
Bob is trying to help me troubleshoot the leak... which has continued to plague me. If any members in Placer or Sacramento Counties have had similar repairs, let me know how it went, please

 

Check this post where I posted a copy of the instructions that came with the complete wheel bearing tool kit I acquired. It lists all the tool part numbers contained in the kit as well as R&R instructions. There is a good pic of the kit there too.

I never got the "opportunity" to use those tools before I sold my XK8 but from reading stuff here (and those instructions) it looks like a good amount of work. Without those tools it likely will be a lot more work.

I still have the tool kit, new wheel bearings and lower control arm bushings.

 

Ca jag, well if I can do it a pro mechanic sure can. The abs tool is needed though.

John

 

An interesting possibility might be Sierra Classic Sportscars, in--of all places--Meadow Vista! Don't know anything about the shop except that it recently listed two amazing and rare old Jags on BaT, most recently a 1937 SS Jaguar 1½ Litre saloon that was amazing. The seller seemed very engaged, which always seems like a good sign.

Best of luck,

Granville

 

Roseville, while I'm eternally jealous of Rothwell's find, I wanted to be sure you understood that while you do need the ABS rotor tool for the front, if you've got a press you can replace any of the 4 wheel bearing with common tools.

John

 

Okay, guys, having had an appointment for 8am this morning, was at shop by 7:45, first one there. Service manager did song & dance about being “backed up” , couldn’t promise by today. And THAT crap. I may be wrong(doubt it), but , gee, was it because I’m a gray-haired woman? No “status “ call, so I called and no answer(30 minutes before closing), no return callback. Surprise. Not.
They aren’t authorized for anything but bearings. I’ll get my key, my car, pay for bearings, get their list of recommended service. And then I might give them some advice.
Guys, Gals....is it just me? Consensus on whether these shops think women are stupid and gullible?Or helpless? I love online tools, love this forum.

 

Picked up my ‘97 xk8 at Stewart’s Automotive in Sacramento today. Right front wheel bearings were replaced for $586. A bit steep. And although it was not a terribly long wait to get an appointment, it was only a 2 1/2 hour job. They had the car before 8am yesterday(my appointment), but didn’t touch it until this morning.
Owner was there when my sister picked up the car, and was abrupt/rude for no reason.
If my car needs garage servicing in the future, I will look closer to the Roseville area.
Thats one worry taken care of. On to the rest of the list.

 

Talked to the owner. Nice guy. They're early British. No XK8's

 

Sorry to hear about all the problems. Yes, the owner seems gruff until you get to know him. Good guy and super knowledgeable. Am surprised the service manager did the song and dance thing. The shop is overpriced but customer service is usually pretty good.

 

Hey 150H - on BaT, there's a gold 1999 XK8 w/ 54k. This morning, it was at 7,500. I think the tensioners have been done.

 

I admit that I’m probably supersensitive to treatment by shop techs, being new to bring a Jaguar owner. In the past , I have been condescended to, been dismissed, and treated as if I were brainless. Seriously, I want to learn all I can, and while I can’t do the mechanics/electrical of a car, I want to be aware of what goes on in the systems. And the issues the car may have. I love the car, am pleased that I have it instead of an Accord(no offense), as it may be the last car I ever buy.
i’ve downloaded the SNG Barratt parts catalog, have started perusing the photos, and studying Rally calendars. Planning to drive.
Thanks!

 

Several race tracks in CA have "drive your own car" days. With the race suspension you've got (and ace mechanic), maybe you should check it out