Lower wishbone bush replacements

[salmonfp1]

I have a 1996 XJS Convertible. The lower wishbone bushes have given up and need to replace them. It first glances it looks like I have to take off the stub axle in total and road springs to get at them. Access to the lower ball joint nut is minimal without removal of the stub axle assembly. Is there another way? Any help would be appreciated

[PaulGover]

I doubt you could safely remove those bushes without removing the spring - there's no way to replace the bushes without removing the fulcrum shaft, and that means the lower ball joint is unrestrained, and that's a big spring. ...

Be prepared for a lot of work; the fulcrum shaft is notorious for seizing in the subframe on all Jaguars with that front suspension. The way to overcome that is to hit it with a big hammer a lot - maybe hours! It's loud too, so make peace with your neighbours first.

When you put it back, lubricate with copperslip to help the next time!

[ptjs1]

As Paul said, you have to remove the spring pan and spring, disconnect top and bottom ball joints and remove the fulchrum shaft. Workshop manual also says you have to remove the steering rack first as well. That may be to allow clearance for the fulchrum shaft removal? I can't remember if it's really necessary as it's a number of years since mine was last done.

It's a complex job that HAS to be done the correct safe way. Others have fabricated spring removal tools using six high-tensile rods, nuts and very long extendable sockets. Personally, I would only use the Jaguar tool, which can be hired from people like Ken Jenkins. There is a huge amount of energy in that front spring and the pan needs to be very carefully lowered a long way. You don't want to get this one wrong.

I'd suggest you fully read up the manual on the procedure, hire the correct tool, or take the car in to a Jaguar specialist. Whilst you've got it all apart, you probably want to think about balljoints, springs and shocks, shock bushes, upper arm bushes, track rod ends, arb links etc. And only use genuine metalastik on those lower arms. They are becoming increasingly hard to find. Don't think about putting pattern bushes in there.

Good luck

Paul

[poprivet]

I've done this job and agree with what has been said. Remove the whole subframe from the car and do everything at once.

Please no not attempt to remove/replace the springs without the Jaguar tool.