Front subframe bushes - aftermarket quality?

[davidr]

Hi All - I am going to drop the front cross beam on my 2001 XKR. I have a number of clunks and rattles and the front of the car shimmies when going over bumps. I suspect the bushes are shot away.
My question is around the quality of aftermarket parts for this. The price of genuine Jaguar parts would be over £800 for the 4 bushes and even more if the engine mounts also need replacing.
Berkshire Jag offer an aftermarket kit of all 4 bushes for about £155.
Has anyone used these? They look well priced but are they good quality?
Your feedback would be appreciated
Regards
David

[MarkX]

Hi David,

I've bought some suspension components from Berkshire Jag in the past though not specifically the bushes you mention. The aftermarket parts Berkshire Jaguar have supplied have always been of good quality.
One thought - How are the bushes on the arms of your suspension set up? The top bushes wear like crazy on the XK8. I'd put those first on the suspect list. At which point you have a number of options including polyurethane bushes. Just a thought.

I hope that helps


Mark

[davidr]

Thanks Mark - I have already changed the lower arm bushes and will do the top bushes when I get the subframe out. As is normally the case, I can’t get the bolt to move so having it on the floor will mean I can get some serious heat into it and apply enthusiastic percussion!
I’m pretty sure it’s the subframe bushes as the whole front of the car doesn’t feel right. It shimmies sideways when you go over a bump and something is rubbing on full lock which I think is excessive movement in the subframe caused by collapsed bushes.
Basically I’m looking to overhaul the front suspension.

[MarkX]

Good luck with it David, if you want to take photos as you go I am sure it would make a great story for the magazine.