The front wheel bearings on my 97 XK8 Conv with 76,000 miles have been replaced several times, typically at intervals of 25,000 to 30,000 miles. I know that in MY99, the bearings were upgraded to a larger more reliable bearing.

I have the whole front suspension disassembled now to renew all bushings & am considering fitting the upgraded bearings at this time.

I am hoping to hear from someone who has been through this modification.

Looking at parts lists, there are different part numbers for the vertical link (knuckle) , hub & the bearing itself for MY99 & after. Are there any other parts that are affected that need to be changed out? Is the hub rotor nut the same?

I am assuming that the newer vertical link is the same except for the hole where the bearing is pressed into is larger to accomodate the larger bearing. In other words, the newer vertical link just mounts in place of the 97 one.

Any info on this upgrade would be most appreciated! I have found just a little reference to in the archives. All Data does make a reference to "Conversion-Bearing/Vertical Link Assembly" under the Front Steering Knuckle section which I think verifies for me that the upgrade is doable.

Thanks in advance!

 

The upgrade from 76mm to 80mm is the only difference with the verticle link, so as you thought everything else stays the same.

For anybody who wants to know if there XK has already been upgraded, look on the back of the hub, if it looks cast, you can see the rough casting between the wheel studs then you have the older 76mm, if it looks smooth as if it has been machined you have 80mm

HTH

 

Thanks XKRacer. So to further clarify, the new upgraded parts I need are the vertical link, hub & 80mm bearing. The hub rotor nut stays the same.