Since last week after the arnott coil conversion I've been hearing a clunking noise while driving through road patches. When we put the car on the lift and tried to move the tires by hand I can hear the sound coming from the steering rack and pinion.

I just want to know if anyone here have tried to replace their tierods and tierod ends that fixed the problem. Or should I just consider getting a factory rebuilt steering rack assembly?

My car is a 2004 xj8 base and only has 18,000 KMS and wondering why all this suspension problems are coming out.

Unfortunately I already paid for my orders @ rockauto and they already shipped the parts I cannot return the parts coz I'm here in Manila and it will be costly if I return all the parts

Front lower control arm bushes lemforder complete set

Front upper arm lemforder lincoln ls

Front and rear stabilizer links Moog


Thank you!

 

Help please...

 

My money is on the tie rod ends. They are much more likely to fail than the internals of the rack. It's no big deal to isolate the problem. Just jack up a front wheel, 1 at a time, move it left and right and look for play in the tie rod ball joint.


BTW Do check the rack mounting bolts and bushings while you are down there, just for grins.


If you have play count yourself lucky as rack repair/replacement is a whole nother world.

 

Take a look at the tie rod ends. The rubber was disintegrated on my 2006. But were still serviceable.
Find a front end/alignment shop. Most have a computer machine that does not use mirrors today. They can raise it up and feel for play.
The racks do go out. Seems Naso had a bad one. And they sell the rebuilds at Rock Auto.
So there must be a demand.

 

Thank you guys,

Panelhead I just ordered the tie rod ends hope this will eliminate the clunking noise when driving through road patches. I will keep you posted once parts arrives.

 

Just an update... Regarding the clunking noise

I check all the suspension bolts and nuts and found out that my right side front stabilizer link is loose so I tighten it and the noise disappeared.

Thank you for suggestions and help.

I will change all the worn out bushes , ball joints , tie rod ends next week.