Two weeks ago I had a major problem, steering pulling violently right. Seems my lower ball joint had crapped out on me. I dropped her off at the nearest repair shop and, $800.00 later, I have my baby back.

That is when the problems started. Steering wheel slowly advancing to the left to keep me in a straight line. Take her back for another alignment and they say, a new nut. Next day exactly the same thing, another alignment and another new nut.

For a week I only drove 4 miles a day in slow traffic until the weekend. Highway speed and I am terrified steering all over the place. My girlfriend asked me if I am drunk and I am fighting to keep her straight. Back she goes.

This has happened three more times. I kept asking for a printout but the excuse was "oh sorry thrown away"

Today, last time I hope but I think a new shop is on the cards, they have the car all day. 74 mile road test and, they say, much better.

Printout shows.

FL FR

Caster +7.44 +7.36
Camber +0.08 +0.04
Toe -0.07 -0.02

Total toe -0.09
Setback Not measured
SAI Not measured
INCL Angle Not measured


RL RR
Camber -1.24 +0.52
Toe +0.03 +0.02

Total Toe +0.05
Thrust angle 0.00


Not an expert here but looks like the rear camber is out. The shop insists there is no way of adjusting the rear but why have specs if not adjustable?

Can anyone tell me if these are within specs or not? I have searched but cannot find anything for a 2001 model.

THANKS.

Mark

 

Search this forum under "Wheel Alignment", "Alignment", or Updated Alignment Specs". We discussed this issue approx. a month or so ago so you will find it approx. under the months of late June, early July. A member posted the specs of a proper alignment. Check to be sure that the specs posted are for your model i.e. V6, Normally aspirated V8, or STR.

 

The discussion itself may not help much as it was for the redesigned model (STR, specifically, IIRC) - which has very different suspension etc - but the figures for the other models are in the PDF
http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/sh...lignment+wheel

 

Thanks guys, managed to find them and see all mine are within specs.

One thing that is bothering me though. It seems my front wheels do not return to centre after turning a corner. There is very little self centering. Any thoughts?

Mark

 

Find a better shop to work on your car. This one sounds terrible.
Fortunately, where I live I have a shop that specializes in just tires/wheels/suspension and they're world class. They wouldn't charge me for a new alignment if they had screwed up the repair. I hope you're at least not getting dinged every time. But honestly, if the steering whell doesn't return to center that's dangerous so get the h*ll out of there.

Bob S.

 

An update.

Today I took her to a shop that specialized in tyres, steering, etc. Told them the story and asked for a diagnostic.

RH Lower ball joint has two nuts.
Nuts and ball joint stud spin in lower control arm.
Need to replace lower ball joint and lower control arm.

It seems the first shop wasn't able to tighten the ball joint enough so they placed a 2nd nut on top.

Total cost $2,243.43 with tax. $1516.21 of that being the right lower control arm (XR8-046022)

Small claims court here we come.

Does anyone know where I can get the right lower control arm cheaper or is this a dealer only part?



THANKS guys.

Mark

 

Since your S-type is an 01, you should be able to use Lincoln LS ball joints.