Handling issues with my 2005 XJR - appreciate any insights: about 1.5 years ago (ca. 18k miles), I put new Falcon tires on my XJR. In the last month or so, I've noticed the handling has become squirrelly at higher speeds. The treads on the Falcons are still about 12/32-15/32" high, so I'm not sure I need new tires, and the dealer's shop checked out the car and said there's nothing wrong with the alignment or handling. Still, the car is harder to control than normal and the handling isn't as crisp as I'd like. I'm not keen on swapping out the tires again, and the local alternative shop doesn't do alignment or steering.

Any thoughts? If anyone knows of an excellent, independent Jag shop in the South Bay (near San Jose) CA, please let me know.

Thanks in advance,
Thibaud
First-time Jag owner, looking to learn more

 

Hey thibaud,
I have moved your post from the existing thread . As for the mechanics around your area you can either use Regional Forums or General Tech Help .
Have safe driving

 

It IS possible that you have a tire problem even though there is ample tread life. Low profile, high performance type tires are sometimes known to "tramiline" and this characteristic can appear (or worsen) as the tires wear and/or if the casing is injured even slightly.

Cheers
DD

 

How high of speeds are we talking? I have heard many times that the handling of the X350 is not as stable at speeds over 100 mph as other cars in its class.

However, in general Falkens are budget performance tires (I've had a few sets myself on other vehicles) and seem to wear out very quickly. It would not surprise me if they are bad even with that much tread left.

 

Ayy wear in any of the wishbone joints front or rear ? These are well known failures and not at large mileages either.

Rear lowers are very common, and thank goodness the aftermarket are now supplying them as Jaguar were selling these at eye-watering prices. Many of the X350 suspension parts are common to the S-Types.

 

Thanks, all. Looks like it may be time to re-tire, as the ad in my grandfather's day put it.

Fraser, the dealer did not mention any wishbone wear when I had them check it out.

All - what would you recommend in the way of tires that offer not-fabulous-but-solid performance + longevity at an attractive price point? Budget's limited, but don't want to end up with another Falken-style mistake.

tia,
T

 

I have had good luck in other cars with Yokohama Avid Touring tires. I forgot what the current model is called, but they are good quality tires that last forever and are quiet.