Well here it is. I had to jack the front of my car way up to get the tranny out from underneath. I raised the front stands up to support it and lowered the car back onto them for safety of course. Once in place I moved the jack and pulled the transmission out of the way. I didn't like the way the car was sitting at such an angle since I knew it was going to be that way for awhile during the rebuild so I jacked the car back up slightly to lower the front stands back down so it would be level again.

Here's the bad part!!! While lowering the car back down on the stands the piece of wood I was using to achieve the extra height I needed busted causing the car to slam down ( about 4") with the jack hitting on the rack and pinion. I thought it was only minor since one side was actually resting on the stand and I didn't see any noticeable damage. Once I was able to test drive with the newly rebuilt tranny (which is working remarkably well) I noticed it was really tough to steer and maintain a direction. It sticks in whatever position you put the steering wheel.

My question is, could I have damaged something in the rack and pinion without it being noticeable by sight?

Thanks for your replies as always.....

 

Is one of the metal pipes pinched?

 

No sir. There are two small divets (for lack of a better word) on the large piece which I assume is the rack. That is all that hit the jack.

 

Went to the shop today and got an alignment. They said nothing appeared bent. The alignment was good, just needed some slight adjustment. They recommended some power steering conditioner. I siphoned out some from the reservoir and replaced with Lucas PS fluid and conditioner. So far no different but we will see......

 

sounds like the rack is now banana shaped....

 

or has a crushed centre section.

Either of which will cause the mechanism to bind.

Time for a replacement rack.

 

Hi Sparky72
Ebay has a remanufactured Power Steering Rack for $233 (free shipping) plus $40 core deposit - Ebay item# is 150566708558,
You might call them to see if you can use your damaged rack as the return core to get the core deposit back.
Also ask them if the rack they are selling on Ebay is the correct replacement for your Jaguar XJ8 - give Vin#.

Here is a photo from the Ebay listing:



another Ebay used item for $125 with shipping or best offer - item# 370612139692

Jaguar dealership retail price is $1390 discounted to $1129 (without sport???)

Here is a weblink to the forum thread on Power Steering Rack R&I (see post# 1):

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ack-r-i-69421/

download the Steering Gear R&I PDF file in the thread, look at page 1 in PDF.

It has parts list showing service kit - (transfer pipes) part# JLM21603 Jaguar Dealership retail price $38.65

Maybe these pipes have been crushed??

Jim Lombardi

 

Thanks again Jim.

You sir are the holder of all knowledge (or at least know where to find it...lol).

I have purchased the rack for 233.00 on eBay and am waiting or it to arrive.

Til that time I shall continue my other endeavors....

 

PITA Sparky but at least you're on to a fix.

Great post there from JL as always

 

Hi all.

I managed to get the old rack off today. It turns out that after seeing it on the ground, there is definitely a bow in the rack. Hopefully all will go well on the install. The new one should arrive on Monday.

Til then......

 

I got the new rack installed today..just one question for now. How do I know if the steering rack is centralized if it did not come with a dust cover fitted? I have it installed with the old dust cover centered with the hole in the housing as it was when it arrived.

Am I doing it wrong before I get the steering column installed?

Thanks..

 

Got the rack finished today. Tomorrow I wil be going for a front end alignment since it pulls to the right a little and the steering wheel is crooked. Oh well.....minor setbacks.

FYI,

I had to flip both of the new steering bushings that came installed on the rack. Anyone performing a rack replacement should verify this prior to installation. Also as I stated previously, the rack from Detroit axle on eBay did not come with the steering centralizizing dust cover fitted as a new one would.

Hope this info is helpful....

 

Here's one for the books. Christmas day I got hit on my driver side rear wheel and quarter panel directly straight in my 2000 XK8. Of course broke the rim and killed my tire. Here is my problem. The power steering no longer works. Any ideas? Oh and by the way , the insurance company said it's a total because the car only books at $2800. This is excuse me was a 10 out of 10 with 70, 000 miles. Sucks to be me.