JAGUAR XJ6 1997 2.G Workshop Manual

being drawn back into the master cylinder.
Wait several seconds for brake fluid to be
drawn from the reservoir into the piston bore,
then depress the piston again, removing your
finger as brake fluid is expelled. Be sure to put
your finger back over the hole each time
before releasing the piston, and when the
bleeding procedure is complete for that outlet,
renew the plug and snug it up before going on
to the other port.
Refitting
16Refit the master cylinder over the studs on
the brake servo and tighten the mounting nuts
only finger tight at this time.
17Thread the brake line fittings into the
master cylinder. Since the master cylinder is
still a bit loose, it can be moved slightly to
allow the fitting threads to start easily. Do not
strip the threads as the fittings are tightened.
18Tighten the brake fittings securely and the
mounting nuts to the torque listed in this
Chapter’s Specifications.
19Fill the master cylinder reservoir with fluid,
then bleed the master cylinder and the brake
system (see Section 9).
20To bleed the master cylinder on the
vehicle, have an assistant pump the brake
pedal several times and then hold the pedal to
the floor. Loosen the fitting nut to allow air and
fluid to escape, then tighten the nut. Repeat
this procedure on both fittings until the fluid is
clear of air bubbles. Test the operation of the
brake system carefully before placing the
vehicle into service.
7 Brake servo-
general information,
removal and refitting
2
General information
1A hydraulic brake servo system assists
braking when the brake pedal is depressed.
The booster unit, located between the brake
pedal box and the master cylinder, is operated
by hydraulic pressure generated by an engine-
driven pump (on early models) or by an electric
pump (on later models). When the engine isrunning, the pump supplies hydraulic pressure
to an accumulator. The accumulator stores and
regulates the pressure to the hydraulic brake
servo. When you depress the brake pedal, the
pressure in the booster helps actuate the
master cylinder, reducing pedal effort.
2The hydraulic brake servo isn’t rebuildable;
if it fails, it must be replaced. Basic operation
can be checked (see Chapter 1, Section 15),
but in-depth testing of the system requires
special tools, so diagnosis is beyond the
scope of the home mechanic. If the system
fails, take it to a dealer service department or
other qualified repair workshop for repairs.
However, if the unit must be replaced, you
can do it yourself as follows.
Removal and refitting
3With the engine off, discharge the hydraulic
accumulator by depressing the brake pedal
several times until it feels hard to depress.
4Remove the master cylinder (see Section 6).
5Clean the area around the return and
supply tube nuts, then disconnect them with a
flare-nut spanner (see illustration). Plug the
lines to prevent dirt from entering the system.
Caution: Even a particle of dirt can damage
the servo system, so be extremely careful
to prevent dirt from entering the system
while the lines are disconnected.
6To disconnect the brake servo pushrod
from the brake pedal, remove the access
plugs from both sides of the pedal box (see
illustration), remove the clevis pin retaining
clip and drive out the clevis pin.
7Remove the four mounting nuts and
remove the brake servo (see illustration).
8Refitting is the reverse of removal. Tighten
the hydraulic line fittings securely.
9When you’re done, adjust the brake light
switch (see Section 13).
8 Brake hoses and lines-
inspection and renewal
4
Inspection
1About every six months, with the vehicleraised and placed securely on axle stands, the
flexible hoses which connect the steel brake
lines with the front and rear brake assemblies
should be inspected for cracks, chafing of the
outer cover, leaks, blisters and other damage.
These are important and vulnerable parts of
the brake system and inspection should be
complete. A light and mirror will prove helpful
for a thorough check. If a hose exhibits any of
the above conditions, renew it with a new one.
Flexible hose renewal
2Clean all dirt away from the ends of the
hose.
3To disconnect the hose at the frame end,
use a second spanner on the hex-shaped
fitting on the end of the flexible hose and
loosen the nut on the metal brake line (see
illustrations). If the nut is stuck, soak it with
penetrating oil. After the hose is disconnected
from the metal line, remove the nut right
above the bracket and detach the hose from
the bracket.
4To detach the flexible hose from the caliper,
simply unscrew it.
5Refitting is the reverse of the removal
procedure. Make sure the brackets are in
good condition and the locknuts are tightened
securely.
Braking system 9•9
9
7.5 Use a flare-nut spanner to loosen the
fittings, then pull the lines back from the
brake servo and plug them to prevent
contamination7.6 Pry off the two rubber caps from the
pedal box7.7 To detach the brake servo from the
pedal box, remove these four nuts
(arrowed) (lower right nut not visible
in this photo)
8.3a To remove a front flexible brake hose
from a metal brake line, use one spanner
to hold the hose fitting just below the
bracket (lower spanner), then break loose
the nut on the metal line (upper spanner);
to disconnect the flex hose from the
bracket, remove the centre nut (arrowed)
just above the bracket
3261 Jaguar XJ6

6Carefully check to make sure the
suspension and steering components do not
make contact with the hoses. Have an
assistant push on the vehicle and also turn the
steering wheel from lock-to-lock during
inspection.
7Bleed the brake system (see Section 9).
Metal brake line renewal
8When replacing brake lines, use the proper
parts only. Do not use copper line for any
brake system connections. Purchase steel
brake lines from a dealer or motor factors..
9Unless you’re using factory renewal brake
lines, you may need a tubing bender to bend
the lines to the proper shape.
10First, remove the line you intend to renew,
lay it on a clean workbench and measure it
carefully. Obtain a new line of the same length
and bend it to match the pattern of the old
line.
Warning: Do not crimp or
damage the line. No bend should
have a smaller radius than
9/16-inch. Make sure the
protective coating on the new line is
undamaged at the bends.
11When refitting the new line, make sure it’s
well supported by the brackets, the routing
matches the original and there’s plenty of
clearance between moving or hot
components.
12After refitting, check the master cylinder
fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Bleed
the brake system as outlined in Section 9 and
test the brakes carefully before driving the
vehicle. Be sure there are no leaks.
9 Brake hydraulic system-
bleeding
2
Warning: Wear eye protection
when bleeding the brake
system. If the fluid comes in
contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them with water and
seek medical attention.Note:Bleeding the hydraulic system is
necessary to remove any air which has entered
the system during removal and refitting of a
hose, line, caliper or master cylinder.
1It will probably be necessary to bleed the
system at all four brakes if air has entered the
system due to low fluid level or if the brake
lines have been disconnected at the master
cylinder.
2If a brake line was disconnected at only one
wheel, then only that caliper or wheel cylinder
must be bled.
3If a brake line is disconnected at a fitting
located between the master cylinder and any
of the brakes, that part of the system served
by the disconnected line must be bled.
4Bleed the right rear, the left rear, the right
front and the left front caliper, in that order,
when the entire system is involved.
5Remove any residual vacuum from the
servo and pressure in the anti-lock braking
system (if equipped) by applying the brake
about 30 times with the engine off.
6Remove the master cylinder reservoir cover
and fill the reservoir with brake fluid. Refit the
cover. Note:Check the fluid level often during
the bleeding operation and add fluid as
necessary to prevent the fluid level from falling
low enough to allow air into the master
cylinder.
7Have an assistant on hand, as well as a
supply of new brake fluid, an empty clear
plastic container, a length of 3/16-inch clear
tubing to fit over the bleed screws and a
spanner to open and close the bleed screws.
8Beginning at the right rear wheel, loosen the
bleed screw slightly, then tighten it to a point
where it is snug but can still be loosened
quickly and easily.
9Place one end of the tubing over the bleed
valve and submerge the other end in brake
fluid in the container (see illustration).
10Have the assistant pump the brakes a few
times to build pressure in the system, then
hold the pedal firmly depressed.
11While the pedal is held depressed, open
the bleed screw just enough to allow fluid to
flow from the caliper. Watch for air bubbles toexit the submerged end of the tube. When the
fluid flow slows after a couple of seconds,
close the screw and have your assistant
release the pedal.
12Repeat Steps 10 and 11 until no more air
is seen leaving the tube, then tighten the
bleed screw and proceed to the left rear
wheel, the right front wheel and the left
front wheel, in that order, and perform the
same procedure. Be sure to check the fluid in
the master cylinder reservoir frequently.
13Never reuse old brake fluid. It contains
contaminates and moisture which could
damage the braking system.
14Refill the master cylinder with fluid at the
end of the operation.
15Check the operation of the brakes. The
pedal should feel solid when depressed, with
no sponginess. If necessary, repeat the entire
process.
Warning: Do not drive the car if
in doubt about the effectiveness
of the brake system.
10 Handbrake cable-
adjustment
1
1Slowly apply the handbrake and count the
number of clicks at the lever. It should be fully
applied within three to five clicks. If the lever is
still not fully applied by the fifth click, adjust
the handbrake cable as follows:
2Raise the vehicle and place it securely on
axle stands.
3Loosen the locknut (see illustration)and
tighten the cable adjuster until all slack has
been removed. Tighten the locknut. Make
sure the wheels turn freely with the handbrake
lever released
4Lower the vehicle and recheck the
handbrake lever. It should now be properly
adjusted. If it’s now fully applied within three
to five clicks, raise the vehicle again and
readjust the cable at the adjuster.
5Make sure the handbrake holds the vehicle
on an incline.
9•10 Braking system
8.3b The connection (arrowed) for the rear
hose and line is located right above the
mounting bracket for the front corner of
the differential crossmember; remove the
hose as described in the previous
illustration9.9 When bleeding the brakes, a hose is
connected to the bleed screw at the caliper
or wheel cylinder and then submerged in
brake fluid - air will be seen as bubbles in
the tube and container (all air must be
expelled before moving to the next brake)
10.3 To adjust the handbrake cable,
loosen the locknut, then turn the adjuster
to remove any slack in the cable; be sure
to tighten the locknut when the cable is
properly adjusted
3261 Jaguar XJ6

11 Handbrake cable(s)- renewal
2
1Raise the vehicle and place it securely on
axle stands.
Front cable
2Remove the cotter pin, washer and clevis
pin from the forward end of the front cable
(see illustration). Disconnect the forward end
of the front cable from the handbrake lever.
3Follow the cable back to the adjuster lever
and remove the cotter, washer and clevis pin
(see illustration). Remove the front cable.
4Refitting is the reverse of removal.
Intermediate cable
5Remove the cotter pins, washers and clevis
pin from both ends of the intermediate cable
(see illustration). Remove the cable.
6Refitting is the reverse of removal.
Rear cables
7Remove the cotter pin, washer and clevis
pin from the intermediate cable-to-rear cable
yoke (see illustration).
8Disconnect the rear end of each cable from
the handbrake assembly (see illustration).,
then pry the cable out of the carrier.
9Refitting is the reverse of removal.
All cables
10Be sure to adjust the handbrake cable
when you’re done (see Section 10). The rear
wheels should turn freely with the handbrake
lever released.
11Remove the axle stands and lower the
vehicle. Apply the handbrake lever, make sure
it’s fully applied within three to five clicks and
that it holds the vehicle on an incline. If it
doesn’t, readjust it (see Section 10).
12 Handbrake shoes-
check and renewal
2
Warning: Dust created by the
brake system may contain
asbestos, which is harmful to
your health. Never blow it out
with compressed air and don’t inhale any
of it. An approved filtering mask should be
worn when working on the brakes. Do not,
under any circumstances, use petroleum-
based solvents to clean brake parts. Use
brake system cleaner only!
Check
1The handbrake system should be checked
regularly. With the car parked on a hill, apply
the brake, place the transmission in Neutral
and check that the handbrake alone will hold
the car (be sure to stay in the car during this
check). However, every 24 months (or
Braking system 9•11
9
3261 Jaguar XJ6 11.2 To disconnect the forward end of the
front cable from the handbrake lever,
remove this cotter pin, washer
and clevis pin
11.3 To disconnect the rear end of the
front cable from the adjuster lever, remove
this cotter pin, washer and clevis pin
(arrowed)11.5 To disconnect the intermediate cable,
remove the cotter pins, washers and clevis
pins (arrowed) from the adjuster lever
and the yoke
11.7 To disconnect the rear cables and yoke from the
intermediate cable, remove this cotter pin, washer
and clevis pin (arrowed)11.8 The rear handbrake cable-to-handbrake shoe connection is
hidden behind the lower part of the brake backing plate, on the
underside of the carrier (this view is looking straight up from
underneath the carrier). To disconnect either rear handbrake
cable, swing this clip (arrowed) to the side and remove it - the
rear cable is now disconnected

whenever a fault is suspected), the assembly
itself should be visually inspected.
2Loosen the wheel nuts, raise the rear of the
vehicle and place it securely on axle stands.
Remove the rear wheels.
3Remove the rear brake calipers and discs
(see Sections 3, 4 and 5). Support the caliper
assemblies with a coat hanger or heavy wire
and do not disconnect the brake line from the
caliper.4With the disc removed, the handbrake
components are visible and can be inspected
for wear and damage. The linings should last
the life of the vehicle. However, they can wear
down if the handbrake system has been
improperly adjusted. There is no minimum
thickness specification for the handbrake
shoes, but as a rule of thumb, if the shoe
material is less 1/32-inch thick, you should
renew them. Also check the springs andadjuster mechanism and inspect the drum for
deep scratches and other damage.
Renewal
5Loosen the wheel nuts, raise the rear of the
vehicle and place it securely on axle stands.
Remove the rear wheels. Remove the brake
discs (see Section 5). Follow the
accompanying photo sequence beginning
with illustration 12.5a. Work on only one side 1 Adjuster
2 Hold down springs and
washers3 Upper return spring
4 Lower return spring
5 Handbrake shoes
9•12 Braking system
12.5a Wash down the handbrake
assembly with brake cleaner before
dismantling12.5b Back off the star wheel on the
adjuster, then disengage the adjuster
mechanism from the handbrake shoes12.5c Remove the front hold-down spring,
washers and pin; note that one washer
goes below the spring and one above it
12.5d Remove the rear hold-down spring,
washers and pin; put the parts in a plastic
bag so you don’t lose them12.5e Push the shoes together and
disengage the upper return spring
from the rear shoe . . .12.5f . . . and from the front shoe
3261 Jaguar XJ6 12.5g Pull the shoes apart and remove them with the lower spring
attached as shown, then disengage the lower return spring
from both shoes
12.5h The handbrake shoe assembly

at a time, so you can use the other side as a
reference during reassembly.
6Refitting is the reverse of removal.
7After refitting the brake disc, adjust the
handbrake shoes. Temporarily refit two nuts,
turn the adjuster (see illustration 5.7c)and
expand the shoes until the disc locks, then
back off the adjuster until you can spin the
disc without the shoes dragging.
8Adjust the handbrake cable (Section 10).
9Remove the axle stands and lower the
vehicle. Tighten the wheel nuts to the specified
torque (see Chapter 1 Specifications).
13 Brake light switch-
check and renewal
1
1The brake light switch activates the brake
lights when the brake pedal is depressed. It‘s
located at the top of the brake pedal, inside
the pedal box.
2If the brake lights don’t come on when the
brake pedal is depressed, check the fuses
(the fuse for the left brake light is in the left
fuse panel and the fuse for the right brake
light is in the right panel).
3If the fuses are okay, check the brake light
bulbs (see Chapter 12).
4If the fuses and bulbs are okay, either the
switch isn’t getting voltage (there’s an open-
circuit between the voltage source and the
switch), voltage isn’t reaching the brake light
Braking system 9•13
9
12.5j Place the front shoe in position,
insert the pin through the backing plate
and the shoe . . .12.5k . . . and refit the hold-down spring
and washers12.5i Lubricate the six friction points
(two arrowed) on the backing plate with
high-temperature brake grease
3261 Jaguar XJ6 12.5l Hook the lower return spring into its
hole in the front shoe . . .
12.5m . . . hook the other end of the
lower spring into the rear shoe . . .12.5n . . . stretch the spring over the top of
the handbrake lever box . . .
12.5o . . . place the rear shoe in position,
insert the pin through the backing plate
and the shoe and refit the rear washers
and hold-down spring12.5p Hook the upper return spring into
the front shoe . . .
12.5q . . . and into the rear shoe12.5r Pull the shoes apart and refit the
adjuster mechanism

bulbs (open-circuit between the switch and
the bulbs), or the switch is defective.
5To remove the switch, reach up under the
dash and unplug the two electrical connectors
- one for the brake lights and one for the
cruise control system. Locate the two pairs of
leads coming down the pedal box and trace
them to their connectors on or near the
steering column.
6Remove the three switch-plate retaining
bolts and remove the switch assembly (see
illustrations). Inspect the switch-plate rubber
gasket for cracks or deterioration and renew it
if it’s damaged or worn.
7Place the switch assembly on a workbench
and connect an ohmmeter to the brake lightswitch terminals. With the switch plunger in its
normal, extended position (brake pedal not
applied), there should be no continuity (infinite
resistance) (see illustration); when the
plunger is depressed (brake pedal applied),
there should be continuity (zero resistance)
(see illustration). If the switch doesn’t
perform as described, renew it. If the switch
works in an opposite fashion, i.e. continuity
when the plunger is free, no continuity when
the plunger is depressed, you’ve tested the
cruise control switch! Switch the ohmmeter
leads to the other connector and recheck.
8To remove the switch from the plate,
remove the two small nuts on the back of the
plate (see illustration).9Refit the switch assembly and the switch
plate bolts but don’t tighten the bolts yet.
10Plug in the brake light and cruise control
connectors.
11The holes in the switch plate are slotted
for adjustment. While an assistant presses the
brake pedal, verify that the brake lights come
on; with the pedal released, make sure the
brake lights are off. If the lights don’t come on
when the pedal is depressed, or stay on when
the pedal is released, adjust the switch by
moving the plate until proper operation is
achieved. Tighten the switch-plate bolts.
12After tightening the switch-plate bolts,
check the switch again to make sure it
performs properly.
9•14 Braking system
13.6a To remove the brake light switch,
remove the three mounting plate screws
(arrowed) . . .13.6b . . . and carefully pry the switch plate
away from the pedal box - be careful not to
damage the gasket13.7a To check the brake light switch,
connect an ohmmeter to the switch
terminals; with the switch plunger
released, there should be no continuity
(infinite resistance)
13.7b With the switch plunger depressed,
there should be continuity
(zero resistance)13.8 If you’re replacing the switch, remove
these two nuts (arrowed) and transfer the
retaining plate to the new switch
3261 Jaguar XJ6

3261 Jaguar XJ6
10
Chapter 10
Suspension and steering systems
General
Power steering fluid type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Chapter 1
Torque wrench settingsNm lbf ft
Front suspension
Balljoints
Retaining bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 to 62 41 to 45
Ball stud nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 to 68 35 to 50
Lower control arm
Spring pan bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 to 34 19 to 25
Pivot nuts/bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 to 68 32 to 50
Shock absorber
Lower nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 to 68 45 to 50
Upper nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 to 43 26 to 31
Anti-roll bar
Bushing bracket bolts
Upper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 to 28 16 to 20
Lower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 to 30 18 to 22
Link nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 to 60 41 to 44
Upper control arm pivot nuts/bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 to 75 45 to 55
Rear suspension
Carrier-to-control arm bolt/nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 to 80 51 to 59
Rear control arm-to-crossmember bolt/nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 to 105 62 to 77
Shock absorber/coil spring assembly
Lower shock-to-control arm bolt/nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 to 200 118 to 147
Upper shock-to-body bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 to 28 16 to 20
Steering
Steering wheel-to-steering shaft nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 to 45 26 to 33
Steering shaft-to-steering gear pinion shaft U-joint pinch bolt . . . . . . . 19 to 24 14 to 17
Steering gear mounting bracket bolts/nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 to 29 19 to 21
Tie-rod end-to-steering knuckle nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 to 68 45 to 50 Anti-roll bar (front) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Balljoints - check and renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Coil spring (front) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Control arm (rear) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Front wheel bearing - check, repack and adjustment . . See Chapter 1
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Hub and bearing (rear) - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hub carrier (rear) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Lower control arm - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Power steering fluid level check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Chapter 1
Power steering pump - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Power steering system - bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Self-levelling rear suspension system - general information . . . . . . . 2
Shock absorber (front) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Shock absorber/coil spring (rear) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . 10
Steering and suspension check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Chapter 1
Steering gear - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Steering gear boots - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Steering knuckle - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Steering wheel - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Suspension and steering checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Chapter 1
Tie-rod ends - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Tyre and tyre pressure checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Chapter 1
Tyre rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Chapter 1
Upper control arm - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Wheel alignment - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Wheel bearing lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Chapter 1
Wheels and tyres - general information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
10•1
Specifications Contents
Easy,suitable for
novice with little
experienceFairly easy,suitable
for beginner with
some experienceFairly difficult,
suitable for competent
DIY mechanic
Difficult,suitable for
experienced DIY
mechanicVery difficult,
suitable for expert DIY
or professional
Degrees of difficulty
54321

1.2 Front suspension (left corner)
1 Anti-roll bar bushing bracket
2 Anti-roll bar link
3 Anti-roll bar
4 Coil spring pan
5 Lower control arm
6 Coil spring
7 Upper control arm
8 Lower balljoint
9 Steering knuckle
10 Tie-rod end
11 Tie-rod
12 Steering gear boot
10•2 Suspension and steering systems
1.1 Front suspension and steering systems
1 Anti-roll bar
2 Anti-roll bar bushing brackets
3 Anti-roll bar links4 Lower control arms
5 Steering knuckles
6 Tie-rod ends7 Tie-rods
8 Steering gear boots
9 Steering gear10 Suspension crossmember
11 Lower control arm crossbrace
3261 Jaguar XJ6

1 General information
Warning: Whenever any of the
suspension or steering fasteners
are loosened or removed, they
must be inspected and if
necessary, replaced with new ones of the
same part number or of original equipment
quality and design. Torque wrench settings
must be followed for proper reassembly
and component retention. Never attempt
to heat, straighten or weld any suspension
or steering component. Instead, renew any
bent or damaged part.
The front suspension (see illustrations)
consists of unequal-length upper and lower
control arms, shock absorbers and coil
springs. The upper ends of the shocks are
attached to the body; the lower ends
are attached to the lower control arms. The
upper ends of the coil springs are seated
against the suspension crossmember; the
lower ends are seated against removable
plates which are bolted to the lower control
arms. The steering knuckles are attached to
balljoints in the upper and lower control arms.
An anti-roll bar is attached to the suspension
crossmember with a pair of bushing brackets
and to the lower control arms via a connecting
link at each end.The independent rear suspension (see
illustration)uses control arms and integral
shock absorber/coil spring units. The upper
ends of the shocks are attached to the body;
the lower ends are connected to the control
arms.
The steering system consists of the
steering wheel, a steering column, a universal
joint on the lower end of the steering shaft, a
rack-and-pinion power steering gear, a power
steering pump and a pair of tie-rods which
connects the steering gear to the steering
knuckles (see illustration).
2 Self-levelling rear
suspension system
1988 to 1992 models were equipped with a
system that provided hydraulic power for the
rear suspension and for the power brakes. As
the vehicle is loaded or unloaded, the rear
suspension is automatically adjusted to
maintain a constant ride height.
The system was discontinued on 1993 and
later models, which are equipped with
conventional shock absorber/coil spring units.
A kit is available from your Jaguar dealer
should you decide to retrofit the later,
conventional shocks to a pre-1993 vehicle.
Complete instructions for refitting the kit are
included in Section 10.
3 Anti-roll bar (front)-
removal and refitting
2
1Raise the front of the vehicle and support it
securely on axle stands.
2Remove the bolts from the anti-roll bar
brackets that attach the anti-roll bar to the
suspension crossmember (see illustration).
3Remove the nuts that attach the anti-roll
bar to the links (see illustration). If you’re
replacing the links themselves, or removing
the control arm, remove the nuts attaching the
links to the lower control arms.
Suspension and steering systems 10•3
10
1.3 Rear suspension
1 Hub carrier 2 Control arms 3 Crossmember mounting brackets 4 Crossmember
3.2 To detach the anti-roll bar from the
suspension crossmember, remove these
two bolts (arrowed) from each bushing
bracket
3261 Jaguar XJ6

4Remove the anti-roll bar from the vehicle.
5Refitting is the reverse of the removal
procedure. Be sure to tighten all fasteners to
the torque listed in this Chapter’s
Specifications.
4 Shock absorber (front)-
removal and refitting
2
Note: Always renew both left and right shocks
at the same time to prevent handling
peculiarities and abnormal ride quality.
1Loosen but do not remove the front wheel
nuts. Raise the front of the vehicle and
support it on axle stands. Remove the wheels.
2Support the lower control arm with a trolley
jack (see illustration). Place a block of wood
between the jack head and the control arm to
protect the arm and spring plate.
3Remove the nut and bolt that attach the
lower end of the shock absorber to the lower
control arm (see illustration).
4Remove the nut that attaches the upper
end of the shock to the body (see
illustration).
5Remove the shock absorber.
6Refitting is the reverse of removal. Tighten
the fasteners to the torque listed in this
Chapter’s Specifications.
5 Balljoints- check and renewal
3
Check
1Raise the vehicle and support it securely on
axle stands.
2Visually inspect the rubber boot between
the balljoints and the steering knuckle for
cuts, tears or leaking grease. If you note any
of these conditions, renew the balljoint.
3Place a large crowbar between eachcontrol arm and the steering knuckle. If you
can see or feel any movement during either
check, a worn-out balljoint is indicated.
4Have an assistant grasp the tyre at the top
and bottom and shake the top of the tyre with
an in-and-out motion. Touch the balljoint stud
nut. If any looseness is felt, suspect a worn-
out balljoint stud or a widened hole in the
steering knuckle. If the latter problem exists,
the steering knuckle should be replaced as
well as the balljoint.
Renewal
5Loosen the wheel nuts, raise the vehicle
and support it securely on axle stands.
Remove the wheel.
6Support the lower control arm with a trolley
jack (see illustration 4.2). Place a block of
wood between the jack head and the control
arm as shown to protect the arm and spring
plate.
Upper balljoint
7Loosen - but don’t remove - the ball stud
nut, fit a small puller (see illustration)and
pop the ball stud loose from the steering
knuckle.
8Remove the two bolts that attach the
balljoint to the upper arm (see illustration).
Count the number of shims installed and set
them aside.
9Refitting is the reverse of removal. Don’t
forget to refit the same number of shims.
Tighten the bolts to the torque listed in this
Chapter’s Specifications.
10Remove the jack from under the control
arm, refit the front wheel, lower the vehicle
and tighten the wheel nuts to the torque listed
in the Chapter 1 Specifications. Drive the
vehicle to an alignment workshop to have the
wheel alignment checked, and if necessary,
adjusted.
Lower balljoint
11Loosen - but don’t remove - the ball stud
nut, then give the steering knuckle a few
sharp raps with a hammer to pop the ball stud
loose (see illustration). Remove the ball stud
nut.
10•4 Suspension and steering systems
3.3 To disconnect the anti-roll bar from the
link, remove the upper nut (arrowed); to
disconnect the link from the lower control
arm, remove the lower nut (arrowed)4.2 Support the lower control arm with a
jack; put a block of wood between the jack
head and the control arm to protect the
arm and coil spring plate
4.3 To disconnect the lower end of the
shock absorber from the lower control
arm, remove this nut and bolt4.4 To disconnect the upper end of the
shock absorber from the body, remove this
nut (arrowed)
5.7 To detach the upper balljoint from the
steering knuckle, loosen the ballstud nut,
fit a small puller and break the ballstud
loose from the knuckle5.8 Remove the bolts and shims from the
upper balljoint; be sure to put the shims
back when refitting the new balljoint
3261 Jaguar XJ6