Has anybody else experienced a shudder in the steering when going from lock to lock in tight parking situations or three point turns?

I've searched threads using 'XF power steering" as the search, but I can't find any previous thread dedicated to power steering problems re XFs.

I had it looked at by the Jag dealership and have been told that it is perfectly normal for XF's to experience this.
Now this I can't really believe because I've never had any trouble with previous Jags' steering, however the mechanic has no reason to lie because the car is still under warranty and wouldn't cost the dealership anything to fix the problem if there is one...


Any advice?

 

Yes, this is normal.

I believe but do not know, that Jaguar does not use true Ackerman geometry. The stickier the tire the more likely it is you will get this judder at low speeds in tight maneuvers. If you do this on a very smooth concrete floor, indoor parkade for example, you may hear slight tire squeal instead of a judder. Same cause, the inside tire follows a similar radius to the outside tire, one of them or maybe even both have to slip for car to turn. If complete Ackerman were used this would not happen but the handling would suffer. Reduced Ackerman or even no Ackerman is best for sharp handling which describes the Jaguar.

 

Did you change your tires recently? If you did then you have the "power steering problem" because of the new tires thread pattern

 

I have not experienced the shudder on my "new" 2010 XF. I've had it for a month. I did have this issue on my previous car, a 2007 XK convertible. It always occurred when backing out of my parking space and slightly turning the wheel, usually to the left. I talked to my dealer, who assured me this was not a problem, car was under warranty. I put on a new set of tires, Michelin PSS, and still experienced the issue. Not sure what this means, just an FYI.

 

Thank you for your excellent replies guys!!

JAGULAR, indeed the judder is more pronounced on a smooth surface and is more prevalent the lower the speed.

I'm sure I can put my mind at rest now. Many thanks all.

 

Hi jagmanjan,

I just put new Pirelli winter tires on my car (2010 XFR) and I do experience the same shudder at low speeds.

Gab

 

How have you found the Pirellis?

 

The new generation of Sottozero, the Serie II, are excellent for a high performance snow tire. This is my third set of these but the first of the new Serie II. These are markedly superior to the original Sottozero. I have also used Pirelli snow tires since the 1980 s and they are almost always industry leaders. I have used many brands of snow tires. Nokian have been the best until recently. Continental now produces one of the best. Michlin are good but expensive.