I have a 2004 XJ8 that had 60K on it when I purchased it, it now has 175K. The only issues have been that I replaced the water pump, and the I replaced the air suspension about 5K miles ago.


Now there is a rattle in the front of the car, and the Jaguar dealership says I need to replace the control arms because you cannot simply purchase the bushings.


1-Anyone have a similar issue? What was the fix?

2-Why don't they make the bushings separate and it there such a kit out there?

3-If I have to buy the control arms, who provides the best price?

4-I wonder why they did not notice this or recommend this fix when they replaced the air bag suspension. I wonder if they could have damaged them, but with 175K hwy miles, it should be time to replace these in any regards.


I am aware of Coventry West in GA, and was set to buy disc from them but got them for a lower price from Tirerack.

 

2004-2009 Jaguar XJ8 Control Arm Bushing - Lemfoerder W0133-1656027 - Front, Lower

I found this. Is this part of what I need?

 

I don;t know the answer to your question, but I'm interested in finding out.

Don't you hate it when you feel lied too by the dealership!

 

The problem with these modern suspension systems, unlike the old Jaguar designs, is that the old bushes have to be pressed out, and the new ones pressed in. Now to do this, you need the correct size mandrel, and a press. The control arms are made of aluminium, (steel forgings having long since disappeared), and can be easily damaged. There is then the labour cost of replacing the bushes in the old arm. Now the aftermarket has got going for the X350s with lower prices, it can be much easier to replace the whole arm on a swap-out basis, which is a relatively quick process. There are two arms, one costs a lot more than the other.

In the UK there is a supplier selling the expensive one at £275, (Jaguar dealer price £315) the other at £180 (Jag = £300) OR you can buy bushes for the expensive arm for around £40 and the cheaper one for about £20. If you can find a reasonable-price competent workshop, you could save money, obviously.

I am not aware of any company doing a service exchange scheme. You should be able to find local US companies selling cheaper then Jag too. Note that these are original-supply parts, not Joe Noname and common to the S-type, and some US Fords, I believe.

 

Have you seen this thread on another forum?

Jaguar Forum.co.uk • View topic - The definitive wishbone bush thread