Jaguar XKR Project: Battling Rusty Bolts & Dropping the Rear Subframe! Part 3
We are finally starting the big job: removing the rear subframe on the Jaguar XKR! In this part of this rear suspension rebuild series, I’m getting under the car to crack loose the major mounting bolts and prepare for the full disassembly.
In this episode:
How to remove the rear brake discs and adjust the handbrake shoes on a Jaguar XKR.
Cracking the 19mm rear suspension hanger bolts (and dealing with the fear of snapping captive nuts!).
Locating and loosening the 15mm differential carrier/brace bolts.
A surprising discovery with the 13mm shock and spring tower mounting bolts.
Initial rust inspection and why removing the subframe is essential for a proper restoration.
This is a "real-world" DIY project—no fancy workshop here, just hard work in the barn using hand tools and a breaker bar.
Support the Channel:
If you're a Jaguar enthusiast or into car restorations, please Subscribe and hit the bell icon! It’s completely free and helps me grow the channel and keep these projects going.
👍 Like the video if you've ever had to fight a rusty bolt!
💬 Leave a comment: Have you ever dropped a Jag subframe? Tell me your tips (or horror stories) below!
#JaguarXKR #JaguarRestoration #SuspensionRebuild #CarDIY #JaguarX100 #ProjectsInTheBarn #WorkshopLife #ClassicJaguar
3. Video Chapters
[00:00] Intro: The One-Week Restoration Goal
[01:45] How to Remove Jaguar XKR Rear Brake Discs
[02:45] Adjusting the Handbrake Star Wheel (Step-by-Step)
[05:40] Explaining the Handbrake Shoe Mechanism
[08:15] Cracking the 19mm Rear Subframe Hanger Bolts
[11:45] The Fear of Captive Nuts: Loosening vs. Snapping
[13:30] Finding the Correct Socket Size for the Diff Brace (15mm)
[15:30] Loosening the Differential Carrier Support
[18:40] Strategy for the Rusty Exhaust Hangers
[20:45] Accessing the 13mm Shock & Spring Tower Bolts
[24:45] Success! All Four Strut Bolts Loosened
[28:40] Summary: What's Next for Part 2
[29:45] Rust Discovery & MOT Prep Concerns
[30:30] Outro: Support the Channel & Subscribe!