How to Replace a Jaguar XJS Series III Ball Joint

Produced from 1975 to 1980 by Jaguar Cars, the Jaguar XJS series comes equipped with ball joints on each of the two front wheels, both an upper and lower ball joint. The ball joints act as the connector between the upper and lower control arm of the XJS' suspension and allow you to steer the vehicle. Without functioning ball joints, you would not be able to operate your XJS. Replacing the ball joints of your XJS is a straightforward project that will not take you more than an hour and a half to perform.

Instructions

Accessing the Ball Joints

1

Park the XJS on a level surface and turn off the engine.

2

Position a car jack under the XJS. Raise the XJS so that you can remove the wheels.

3

Position jack stands under the XJS' front bumper.

4

Use a wheel wrench to remove the two front wheels' lug nuts.

5

Remove the two front wheels to allow access to the ball joints.

Replacing the Lower Ball Joint

6

Use a pair of pliers to remove the cotter pin from the XJS' upper control arm.

7

Use a socket wrench to remove the upper control arm's tie rod. As an extra precaution, place a spring compressor over the upper control arm's spring.

8

Remove the bolts from the lower ball joint using a socket wrench.

9

Pull the lower ball joint off with a ball joint fork.

10

Place the replacement lower ball joint onto the control arm and reattach the bolts. Reinstall the tie rod and cotter pin to the upper control arm.

Replacing the Upper Ball Joint

11

Use a drill to punch out the five rivets securing the upper ball joint to the upper control arm.

12

Remove the upper ball joint from the XJS.

13

Remove any metal debris from the rivet holes. Occasionally, a cone-shaped metal piece from the ball joint may get stuck in the holes. Use a drill to punch it out.

14

Place the replacement upper ball joint onto the upper control arm. The ball joint should have come with bolts to replace the rivets.

15

Install the replacement bolts onto the upper ball joint to secure it to the control arm. Use a socket wrench to install the bolts. Reattach the front wheels and remove the jack stands. Lower the XJS and remove the jack.