subframe replacement

[andypryce]

Hi all,

Seems my "ebay bargain" was too good to be true! (will I ever learn). My local mechanic tells me the front subframe is corroded and probably wouldn't pass an MOT, so does anyone know how much a front subframe replacement would be (1996 X300)? I imagine quite expensive as I believe lots of work involved.... I don't really want to scrap her as she is in such good condition otherwise.

andyp

[Bungle]

I'm sure I've seen somewhere it's about £1k including labour. Does anyone else have any improvement on this!?

[andypryce]

Yes, that sounds about right, oh dear! I gather the problem is sourcing the subframe, I have emailed xjrestorations, so will report back....

andy

[Billys]

Andy
I thought I had a costly job when I needed my engine oil sump cover replaced when I noticed after I bought the car that a bodge up job was previously carried out near the oil drain plug.
I used a local independent garage who managed to source me a second hand part & labour costs were lower as he was familiar with Jags & breaks them for spares.
It really is worth shopping around if you decide to get this work done

[andypryce]

I agree, definitely will, thanks

[andypryce]

Well, not so bad as I thought! Seems after closer inspection the subframe itself is not too bad, it's the points at which it is bolted to the floor that are a bit corroded. He has cleaned them up and treated them and is hopeful they will last a while longer, so good news there. The fuel line that runs through the rear wheel arch needs replacing, but that's relatively easy , so fingers crossed !

Andy

[Bungle]

Good news

I plan to get my new XJ40 purchase fully checked over soon too. Wish me luck

[andypryce]

Indeed!

[Guernsey]

Hi, I have recently fitted a new subframe to my '92 4.0L

I bought it brand new from JustJagsUK For £100, the subframe comes complete with the rear bushes, I see they still have some in stock

The cost then is that while it is out you really have to replace all the bushes V mounts, steering boots, anti roll bar rubbers - and give the subframe several coats of paint especially round the welded joints so water cant get in for a long time

I also replaced the engine mounts as these get very hard after many years work ( Jaguar issued a bulletin in this respect to stop vibration at tickover)

Regards Steve

[dhdove]

Brand New......£100.......BARGAIN, well done

TonyS

[andypryce]

Yes that is good value, cheapest I could find was £150 from Eurojag, used. Did you do the work yourself Steve? I am wondering if you have any idea what I should pay, given all the other bits that you said may as well be done at same time? Does around £1000 sound about right ?

[Guernsey]

Hi,

Yes I did all the work myself, as for the cost involved it's very difficult to work out

There are two special tools involved one is something most garages would have to support the engine, the other is to compress the springs the genuine tool is very expensive I made a spring compressor to do the job in about an hour, they may make a tool or hire one, again that cost would be charged to you

So £1000 pounds sounds a lot but by the time they replace every thing that is worn when stripping the subframe and their hourly rate it could reach that number

I had my tracking set before I replaced the subframe they set the wheels correctly but the printout showed the other settings camber castor etc to be well out more out than worn bushes would cause, so when having the tracking set after new subframe and bushes the settings were nearly perfect, so I believe the subframes when they age and get rusty twist due to the numerous forces against them

Steve

[andypryce]

Thanks Steve, that is useful.

[robv12]

100 quid for a new subframe is a giveaway, these were over 1500 quid last Jaguar price, it's even cheaper than 2nd hand ones, I have some here at 150, so better look at my pricing!!

swap over is straight nuts and bolts, BUT it is a heavy bit of kit and as mentioned above you need spring compressors, engine support, and a the car high up in the air to get the old one out and the new one in, lying on your back doing it is not fun, well not at my age at least

these pics will give you some idea, albeit on a 40, but the principle is the same

[andypryce]

Thanks all.

I have picked car up again today, he tells me subframe itself is good, but it is points at which it bolts to floorpan that were concerning him, on closer inspection he said not as bad as first thought, so has cleaned it all up and coated it to prevent further corrosion. MOT due February, so he said he would have a look before that, fingers crossed.... Has also replaced the corroded fuel line (£120 for part), oil change, filter, sparkplugs, air filter, rear pads (discs good) and redone whole of underseal, all for £470, so pretty happy with that

andy