Hi everyone. I came across this forum while searching for a possible solution to my VERY annoying problem!
I have a 1994 Jaguar X300 XJ6 Sport which I have been restoring back to her former glory over the last year. Over the last 2 months I have had the wheels aligned 3 times by so called professionals yet after each time, the steering wheel does not stay centered for any more than three days. It tilts to the left when driving and is now so far over to the left that it blocks the temperature gauge. The car still tracks well, its just the steering wheel does not want to stay centered. I am very reluctant to take it back to Jaguar as I seem to be throwing money at a problem that dosnt go away, plus the tech guys there seem to be at a loss. The front end was dropped recently to put new shocks and suspension bushes in, wheel re aligned (again!) yet the problem still persists. Any advice on how to remedy this or possible causes would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Mark, New Zealand.

 

Qssuming your facts are straight (pun intended) this could be leading to a serious loss of steering control! It would seem easy enough to paint some witness marks on the couplings, the steering shaft, and the tie rod ends. If the guy you have working on will not take time to figure it out, GET ANOTHER GUY! There is really no magic in an X-300 steering set up.

 

Mark,
If I understand correctly, you are saying that you have taken the car in, had the wheels aligned, driven away happy, with the steering wheel straight, and then it progressively needs to be held other than straight to travel in a straight line, and that you have done this 3 times?
I would be checking my tyres first, for pressure (slow puncture?) cuts, bulges etc, then front wheel bearings for excessive play.
If still no joy, it will be a case of working through all of your ball joints and bushes for play. Remember the V mounts for the front subframe. Remember to check the rear too, as that has a significant bearing on the steering. Have you had the four wheel alignment checked?

 

delete

 

I'd be checking the pinch bolt/spline just above the rack.

 

The pinch bolt is a scary thought! I would move that to the top of my to do list. Although I would think it less likely, it is potentially fatal.

 

I do not think Markyb is turning his own wrenches. That is why I say he needs to get someone he can trust to look after this, since the guy he has gone to THREE TIMES apparently does not care about serious it might be.