Hello! It has been awhile since I have been on-line. I am sending this new thread because I have a 2003 X-Type with 103,000 miles. When I purchased the vehicle in 2011, it was 77,000 miles. Since then, I have done:
--Transmission Flush.
--Rear Differential Fluid.
--Crankcase Fluid.
--Spark Plugs.
--Carbon Blast.
--New Water Pump - radiator flush.
--General brake work.

At this point, should I be considering any maintenance other than my regular oil - oil filter changes and tire rotation? Since I have put approximately 28,000 miles on it since 2011, not sure. Any assistance is appreciated. Thank you. Bill in O HI O.

 

GO BUCKEYES!!!!!! (grew up just outside of Toledo).

As for maintenance, you have done most of what would be recommended. I would say that if you are looking for a general check up of the kitty, I would do the following:

-With the car parked, place your hands on the corner of the car and push down with as much force as you can make and then quickly release it. Watch the car rebound and count the number of times that it comes up. It should only bounce 2, maybe 3 times. If you are seeing it bounce say 5 or more times, then your shocks are in need of replacing. Repeat on each corner.

-Find a nice long sweeping corner that you can take at say 25 mph or so. In the middle of the turn (in a controlled manner), apply some gas (like you were going to pass someone on the corner) and pay attention to the rear end. Does it feel like it is going to step out on you? If yes, then you have a bad lower/forward control arm. Repeat turning the other way

-Look at the tires. Do you notice the inside edge of the tires wearing a lot more than the outside edge. On the rear tires, this can be either the upper control arm or the lower/forward control arm is shot and will need replacing. If it is the front tires, probably time for an alignment and have them check the ball joints to see if they are worn.

-when was the last time the fuel filter was replaced? Should be replaced every 15K miles. You can go longer, but you can start to run into issues, especially if you are not using top quality fuels.

-How is the A/C blowing? Ice cold still? If not, may want consider having the A/C system evacuated and then refilled. This will cost you a few more bucks, but it is worth it. The other method is where they just top off the system to the correct pressure. Freon does wear out (breaks down, especially if allowed to get too hot) and this will cause it not to cool as well as it should.

-serpentine belt. How does it look? Cracked or worn edges? If so, time to replace. The same check can be done for the water pump belt (granted, you probably looked at it when you did the water pump).

-Something you may want to consider is also swapping out the power steering fluid. You can disconnect the line off the steering rack and drain most of the fluid out. Then you can refill the overflow bottle and work out the air (turning the steering wheel back and forth a few times). If this is still the original fluid, it wouldn't hurt to swap it out.

That should just about do it.

 

Hi, Thermo. Many thanks to you! I did have a rear control arm replaced. So, my mechanic does check those, but thanks you! Fuel Filter - yes, sorry I missed that. Let me get it changed the next time I see him. But, yes, it was replaced. I am using top quality gasoline and 93 Octane. A/C is fine! Thanks! Let me double check my paperwork on the power steering fluid. He might have done that, but I am not 100% certain. BTW - you helped a Jaguar Club of Ohio Member who I got to sign up for our Club. So, thank you for all of your continued assistance! Bill in Ohio. License plate: AWDCat - All Wheel Drive Cat - Not really A Wild Cat!

 

Rear Differential Fluid........Did you have to pump the old fluid out of the X type rear differential? I am getting ready to change the fluid and am curious how it was done. Thanks

 

tomgee111, yes, you need to suck it out. There is only like 1.75 liters in there, but it is going to be a slow process because of how thick the fluid is. Take your time. It is not hard.