I'm thinking about upgrading my MY97 76mm front wheel bearings to a pair of MY99+ 80mm bearings. I replaced the bearings in 2008 at 64K miles. Now only five (5) years later at 87K miles, the left front has started to make the familiar grinding noise. That's like 22-23,000 miles on a set of front roller bearings; which explains why Jag upgraded to the larger bearings a couple of years later.

This diagnosis was confirmed by forcing the wheel in and out at 12 and 6 O'clock positions and feeling a little free play at the hub.

I know MY99 and later vertical links need to be swapped to accommodate the larger diameter 80mm bearing. However, are my remaining 1997 parts compatible? e.g,, axle stub w/lug flange, brake caliper mounts, etc.

 

I did this upgrade on both sides a little over a year ago on my 97 when one of my front wheel bearings went. The vertical links (knuckles) (MNC1628AA & MNC1629AA) & 2 new hubs (MNC1837BB) were all that was necessary to replace. All other original parts are compatible, although I did renew quite a few of these while I had it all apart.

Of course you will also need 4 new circlips (JCR110805) to fit the 80mm bearings.

I got one new vertical link through my dealer & sourced a used one from Coventry West.

Good luck to you.

PS: private message me if you want a good deal on 2 unused Jaguar OEM 80mm bearings (MNC1830AA) that I have in my parts inventory.