Recently had alignment done at the best shop in our state.

On the invoice was noted:

***The Front Suspension Radius Arm Bushings are showing some fatigue, The LF is the worst of the two. We expect replacement to be needed in 12 - 18 months.

I did a search on the forum; was unsuccessful.

I have replaced air shocks, rebuilt air suspension compressor, replaced AC Blower Relay, replaced pads and rotors, etc. However, I have absolutely no experience with the above issue. Would have to go to a diagram to even know where the parts are.

1. Is this something an enthusiast can accomplish successfully?
2. Would replacement of parts require re-alignment?
3. Any other suggestions or links much appreciated.

It is amazing that I had absolutely no issues (NONE!) with the car prior to 46,000 miles!

Thanks!

P.S. Should I also post this on the XJR site? My inclination is to do so; however, I don't want to make clutter where it is unnecessary.

 

Steve, I've moved your post to the model specific tech section, you will get the best response to your question here.

 

Thanks, Norri! Sincerely appreciate your help?

 

Steve most of the bushings in the front can be replaced without replacing the whole arm. You will need to have the bushings pressed out and in though. That requires you to remove the arms from the vehicle. If you can replace an air strut you should be able to remove one of the arms. Then just take it to a shop with a press and have them do it. You can also purchase a cheap press from harbor freight I think for about $80.

If you tires are close to New then I would suggest to get an alignment after changing the bushings. If your tires are almost gone then wait to do the bushings, new tires and alignment at the same time.

 

2004 Jaguar XJR Parts - Warren Henry Jaguar Parts

In the above link, lower control arm bushing is item #11. Is this likely what is meant by: Suspension Radius Arm Bearings?

Thanks

 

There's no such thing as a "radius arm" on the front, or even rear, suspension, however there are wishbones, (called "control arms" in the US). The bushes in these can definitely wear out, but as said, are replaceable. The front lower wishbones are made up of two aluminium arms that make the "wishbone" when connected up. The upper one is a single forging and not repairable, It costs a lot too.

If you have a look on the internet you can view the parts

Jaguar X350 Parts | Jaguar X350 Steering & Suspension - JustJagsUK.com

 

Thanks, Fraser. The organization of the list makes for a much better understanding of the suspension parts.

I have a call into the alignment shop for a price for doing the work. Will share the info I get.

What, with all else going on, can't do everything. I wish I had more time because I find these endeavors quite satisfying.

Thanks to your help and the help of others on this great site, I have learned a lot about the air suspension system on my car.

 

I could not find the bushings separately and wound up replacing the entire arm. Has anyone found a supplier for them?

 

OK, but the front lower wishbones are made up of two arms that come together at the hub carrier, (or vertical link). So which arms did you replace ? There is a curved one and a straight one that also takes the air spring lower bush.

http://www.justjagsuk.com/product_de.../?model=X350&q=

http://www.justjagsuk.com/product_de.../?model=X350&q=

http://www.justjagsuk.com/product_de.../?model=X350&q=

 

The first link looks lit it...and much better price than the $550 I paid for the curved arm. Hope they ship to the US next time my Wife runs over road debris!

 

Is this it ?

£142 = $215, then there is shipping etc. I presume the $550 was from a Jaguar main agent spares department.

Justjags ship to the US, I believe. There is also SNG Barratt who have a US site, and have all the X350 suspension parts listed and nice diagrams so you can see what you're buying.

 

Steve;
If you have not read it please do. The guys in the UK have hammered on this pretty good and have collected just about everything in one place.

See:

The definitive wishbone bush thread

Be sure and read the discussion section too.
.
.
.

 

There are two threads on that forum with the same name, unfortunately not all information is in both threads, here is the other one. Discuss here -The definitive wishbone bush thread

Now, front bushes...

FYI the front wishbone bushes in the X350 are originally made by ZF Lemförder, and you can buy them from ZF, here they are referenced to the Jag part numbers.

C2C26267, C2C26851, C2C36029, C2C4471, = 29783 01, Control Arm Bush, Front Axle, Lower, Left and right, Front, inner (the big one)
C2C4437 = 29784 01, Control Arm Bush, Front Axle, Lower, Left and right, Centre, inner
C2C4438 = 29785 01, Control Arm Bush, Front Axle, Lower, Left and right, Centre, Outer
C2C12119, C2C18350 & C2C36866 = 35353 01, "Damper Bush" Control Arm Bush, Front Axle, Lower, Left and right, Centre

There is only one bush from the front suspension that cannot be sourced in the aftermarket



But from what I can tell, it lasts a long time anyhow...

More info here too https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...0-x350-101725/

 

Please forgive such an amateurish question, but how does one know when these bushings go bad?

I would suspect the ride would be less than that of a new car? Would worn bushings cause a safety issue, or would the ride just be sub-standard?

If you recall, the alignment shop called my attention to the fact that they should be replaced in 12-18 months.

I was going to have this done; however, thanks to all of this info, I am tempted to do it myself. After the holidays, of course.