Repacing front bush on lower front wishbone.

[nekcerb]

My car just failed MOT on the front bush on front lower wishbone? Is it possible to replace this bush by splitting the wishbone in two and just removing the front half rather than removing the whole wishbone which necessitates the removal of the steering rack and then replacing that bush alone? It all looks possible to me except getting the bolt out/clear enough to allow the front part of the wishbone to be removed, the front sub frame bracket looks like it might just get in the way. Has anybody tried this ?

[Astromorg]

Interesting question. It is certainly possible to do what you are suggesting, but whether it is the best course of action is debateable I would say.

First, I would say that just changing that one bush is not really good engineering practise. If it's worn, then the other three are unlikely to be far behind and changing all four would give the front end a properly balanced improvement.

It might also be more difficult to get those T60 Torx bolts out in situ than on the bench. Almost certainly some heat will be required and it's not necessary to remove the steering rack to get the rear bolts out - just loosen the rack securing bolts enough to allow some movement of the rack.

All in all, if you must just do the one bush for whatever reason, yes you can, but while you're at it, it would make sense (to me!) to do the lot.

[nekcerb]

Many thanks for your speedy reply. My main concern is the bolts holding the steering rack may shear and just add to my problems at this moment in time, so just to speed things up thought this would avoid this until I can take the time to do the whole suspension as you say. I have the means to heat up the bolts holding the two wishbones together so that's not my main concern just whether the front bolt can be removed enough to allow the front part of the wishbone to be removed it just looks very tight and appears that the front sub frame bracket will get in the way. I can see the rear bolt needs the steering rack to be moved, or loosened to allow that bolt to be removed but can't find any mention of any similar procedure for the front bolt leading me to believe that it is possible to remove the front part of the wishbone independently as outlined.

[Astromorg]

I agree it looks tight, but neither Jaguar's own instructions nor Jaguar World's magazine coverage of the procedure mention any difficulties there. When it all works out OK it would be helpful for the archives if you came back to this thread to tell all!

[nekcerb]

Yes, will do. Going to have a crack at it this week so will let you know it goes for the archives. I have also purchased on Ebay the Jaguar World's November 2012 issue regarding the article on the XK8 front suspension for any additional tips.