Lower rear wishbone bush replacements. S,X350,XF,XK8 models

[TJR1962]

Hi Mike,

Great article very helpful thank you. I have a 1999 4.0lt V8 S-type bought in April 2015 with 49K genuine miles. Now done 90K miles and is my regular transport taking me all over the UK for my job as an Engineering Consultant the LPG conversion helps!

I have recently replaced the top and bottom rear wishbones on both sides. I bought replacement wishbones with new bushes already fitted. The tops from British Parts On-line (www.britishparts.co.uk) and the bottoms from Auto Reserve Jaguar (www.autoreservejaguar.com). The installation was surprisingly straightforward easily possible for a DIY mechanic like me working outside on my drive. I had a four wheel alignment done when I had finished by Kwik Fit cost £100 but a must have I would suggest to ensure best handling and maximum life from the tyres that I had only just fitted.

The old bushes were absolutely shot and were well overdue for replacement though ironically only the tops had failed the MOT but the lower bushes were actually in worse condition. I would highly recommend that the tops and bottoms on both sides are replaced on both sides at the same time if the budget allows - would you agree? The whole lot cost me about £600 including the wheel alignment.

The car now drives beautifully and was a pleasure to drive this summer through France down to Spain and back again. HOWEVER - it stills squeaks and groans like an old mattress - if anything it is worse than before I fitted the new parts!! I fitted the wishbones and tightened up all bolts with the car jacked up, wheels off and so with no static load on the suspension. A mechanic friend said I needed to loosen off all the bolts while the car is sitting on it's wheels and then re-tighten them to be sure the bushes are not pre-stressed at rest. Which I did before my European trip but it made no noticeable difference. Any ideas?

Incidentally I have still to fit new bushes (from Berkshire Jag) to the bottom of the shock absorbers on both sides, which might help but it seems hard to believe that the noise is coming from them alone? I have not touched the front suspension bushes - are they known to squeak and groan too?

Your thoughts would be most appreciated.

Regards, Tom
Norwich

[J44EAG]

Bush changes should ALWAYS be done both sides of the car. If one side has gone, the other will not be far off being in a worn out state.

Creaking and groaning is usually seized lower rear wishbone bushes. Replacement rear bushes are available but not from a Main Dealer source. Try Racing Green Cars Ltd for part number RG109. Four will be needed to rebush both lower rear wishbones.

The early cars have the American designed front lower wishbone design. The forward bush can develop a lot of play by 90k miles.Note the bush off set angle. All covered in my major suspension post on the S-type suspension section. Noise is not a huge problem but wear is.

Hope that helps.

Mike