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5 minute read
How to replace front shock bushings on XJ8 or XJR with pics HOW TO.
Compliments of Vector @ jaguarforums.com
10-12-2014
Today I got started replacing my upper front shock bushings on my 2001 XJR with 74K miles. The old stock orange bushings were starting to crumble, but I had not started to get the clunk sound everyone talks about when they are completely worn out.
The job is pretty simple. Took about 30 minutes to remove both sides.
Pics of the removal included, now I just have to take the bushing mounts to my local mechanic to have the old ones pressed out and new ones installed.
I bought new, black bushings with new shock nuts and washers on the 'bay for about $50 here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/291258765102...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Excellent instructions were included with the kit, I would attach them, but they are marked "Do not copy, property of ......"
The dealer only sells the entire bushing assembly, mounting plate and all for about $300 each, so doing the job this way is significantly less expensive.
I'll post some more pics and a final report when the job is complete.
10-18-2014
I completed swapping out my front shock bushings today.
Cost me $50 for new bushings for both sides and $20 at the local mechanic to have the old bushings pressed out and new ones pressed in place.
The install is simply a reverse of the removal. Don't forget to re-install the power steering reservoir.
The jacking height is important to make sure you have the car high enough to take the pressure off the bushings, but not so high that the shock "drops" when you remove the retention nut.
I included a pic below of the power steering reservoir moved out of the way to access the mount on the left side of the car.
Took about the same amount of time to install as it did to remove the old bushing plates - about 30 minutes total.
All in all an easy job and the total cost, including paying someone else to press in the new bushings was about $70. A lot less than the $600+ in parts cost for new bushings with plates from the dealer.
Ride seems better, steering is more precise, but I am still going to install new sway bar bushings and links front and rear and probably new shock bushings in the rear too.
The last pic is of the completed install on the right side, which is the same procedure as the left except that you don't have the power steering reservoir in the way.
10-19-2014
Some folks have hammered them out and back in with an appropriate sized socked and a BFH, but it is not recommended that you do it that way. You can crush the metal bearing surfaces or break them.
The cost to take it to an automotive machine shop that has a press and the proper adapters is small compared to the risk of having to replace the entire assembly of you make a mistake.
You can also fabricate a home made press using a bottle jack, some all thread rod and a couple of pieces of large angle iron, but the cost and time to do this doesn't really seem to be worth it, unless you think you may use the press for other purposes in the future.
Vector
