How do you jack your X-type ?

[almcl]

I have heard from several sources that the only place an X type can be jacked is at the 'official' jacking points.

Now I'd like to get under mine and just have a look at a couple of things. I have two good quality trolley jacks, two good bottle jacks and four axle stands. On all my previous (heavier) Jaguars there has been a substantial sub frame fore and aft which can be used for jacking and supporting but I can't see anything (within the limited view available) that looks substantial enough on the X-type.

The jacking points also seem to require an unusual jacking pad and apart from the fitting on the top of the one supplied with the car, I don't have anything suitable.

So what does everyone use? Or is it a wheel ramp only situation?

[robv12]

Al, never having had an X Type or had to do it I cannot comment, BUT my local guy who looks after a couple of X Types uses a two post lift and then uses the official sill jacking points with as you say with a pad in between

why not give XJK a call, they are the official JEC "tech help" for X type , they will have the definitive answer

http://www.xjkjaguar.co.uk/

[almcl]

Rob

Thanks for the reponse. I did actually ask XJK when I took the car there for a service. It was they that warned me to use the jacking points and to make sure that any tyre bays didn't try to jack on the suspension components. Apparently they have had to change one or two bits over as a result of damage thus caused.

[robv12]

ah the KWIKFAT Gorillas!!!, get it up the air as quick and however you can!!

[almcl]

ah the KWIKFAT Gorillas!

I see you're familiar with our local one! I don't visit them any more ever since, on my way home from a successful MoT test, one of their fitters tried to convince me that my car would fail an MoT on six counts and needed a complete brake replacement. I'd only gone in for a new spare wheel! To be told such bare faced lies by a cocky little so and so who couldn't capitalise his surname correctly rather put me off returning

Why is it so difficult to locate competent tyre bays? My local tyre chaps are very good and careful, usually, with wheels and tyres but their ability with their new laser alignment gear is pitiful.

[J44EAG]

Easy to summarise, Al.

Tyre fitting is a low value trade with profits cut to the bone. Many tyre bays can`t afford to train their staff adequately let alone pay the operatives commensurate with technical qualifications or ability.

Tyre bays are often a first port of call for youngsters entering the motor trade prior to going to technical college to have a brain installed. The end result is that your car gets worked on by a spotty faced oyke that has enough knowledge to be dangerous. Add to that teenage over confidence and you have a recipe for damage and mayhem. They don`t even realise what they are doing is incorrect and wouldn`t understand even if you attempted to explain. Most however have some ability to speak English even if it is of a different nature to our own jargon.

The X-type is a light weight car where construction is concerned. Sheet metal wishbones are easily damaged if used as jacking points. So it is a four post ramp, hydraulic bench jack and use of the official lifting points if the car has to be raised.

Mike

[ptjs1]

Al,

I've seen this as an increasing problem since the demise of traditional chassis construction and even the move away from substantial front and rear subframes. The XJS was probably the last model which facilitated relatively easy access to areas that could be used for safe "trolley-jacking" and subsequent axle stand support. But the low ground clearance means that I still often use the official jacking points to lift the vehicle a little before getting a trolley jack in situ.

One approach might be to consider cutting the top off of an X-type jack and welding that to a trolley-jack saddle to enable the more robust trolley jack to be used on the official jacking points.

I have taken a similar approach with my XJS (There are even people selling bespoke trolley-jack adapters for XJS points). I am going to do the same with my X308 which uses a typical box-section into which the jack fits (assuming that Rob Jenner will sell me a jack for £5!).

I know that doesn't solve the axle stand problem and the predominance of undertrays on modern cars seems to cause even more problems here!

It all seems part of some greater plan to stop us tinkering with our own cars!

Paul

[almcl]

Thanks for the thoughts, Paul.

I suspect that I'll end up having to use ramps. I've shied away from this in the past as they take up a lot of room when not in use and don't give the clearance that I can get with my trolley jacks and stands. I am not sure how good it would be for rear end access, either.

I am just a little surprised that none of the X-type community in the JEC has needed to get under their car without the aid of a hoist. Or if they have, don't feel inclined to share the secret of how they did it. Are we becoming a club of 'don't-do-it-your-selfers' ?

[jBlackwell]

A reply to your inquiry from David Marks

"We normally use a ramp and on-ramp jacks to support these cars so the problem an enthusiast will have on the floor is actually raising the car, especially at the front due to the under tray that is present that will prevent a jack being placed under the centre of the front cross member, so care will be required.



To support the car, assuming it is just for wheels off, then support the vehicle with axle stands under the respective front and rear lower wishbones – although at the rear in particular care must be taken due to the nature and shape of the underside of these components."

[almcl]

Why, thank you for that.

I do now have details of a couple of locations that can be used in addition and pictures of a hardwood block adapted for use on the 'official'jacking points.