Just had the outer tie rods changed and then got an alignment - one outer was very-stuck and apparently the mechanic knackered the inner tie rod during the work. It seems to steer okay, but the alignment guy said the inner tie rod is extremely stiff and that was abnormal and said if there is any alignment issue I should swap the inner tie rods before returning for a re-alignment.

Does all that sound right?

Also, on Rock Auto they don't sell inner tie rods, only the entire steering-unit with inner tie rods attached, is there a reason for that (like the whole unit needs to be replaced as one piece?) or can inner tie rods be procured?

 

Go to the website for JAGBITS (click on banner in forum) one of the forum sponsors and send a request for parts inquiry. There site lists an inner tie rod for the XJ8/XJR. The guys there are really good about responding and carry new and used components.

 

We sell them here:
Jaguar INNER TIE ROD ASSEMBLY - TIERODV8-XKXJ-OE

 

I had a hell of a job getting the tie rod end moving recently. It was siezed onto the tie rod. Heat, PB blaster, and a lot of patience. I can see how someone impatient could ruin the whole tie rod.

"but the alignment guy said the inner tie rod is extremely stiff"

But what did he mean? The balljoint on the inner tie rod is stiff? Or it is stiff to adjust, probably because the thread is siezed where the tie rod screws on? The latter can be fixed by changing the tie rod end, probably. Hopefully the inner tie rod isn't too chewed up by being adjusted while stiff.

At this point we have hearsay of hearsay so no real idea what the problem is.

 

Thx, I've ordered from you guys in the past, but your pricing on this item is cost prohibitive. For LESS THAN the price of both inner tie rods I can buy the entire steering assembly that includes the inner tie rods from rock auto. Was trying to make it more cost effective, not less.

 

Your removal experience pretty much matches what I watched the mechanic endure. In the end he did remove the tie rod end and replaced with a new one, so presumably the stiffness is in the inner tie rod ball-socket which is original from 2002 with 140k miles.