Hi Everyone:
Just made my introductory post, having purchased a 2002 XJ8 VDP with 82,000 miles... just had highly recommended local shop do work to make car absolutely perfect to full satisfaction. Noticed today on first major road trip that car has a soft harmonic vibration (not bad, really) that comes through the steering wheel/driveline at idle and low speeds, and also at around 50 MPH a soft moaning drone that vanishes when driven faster...are engine and/or transmission mounts that would ostensibly isolate the vibration something that needs to be changed periodically? It's not horrible...it's just that the car is silent otherwise (and just wonderful)...so it stands out...any recommendations would be much appreciated.

 

Bill,

I've moved your question from Jaguar Forums Advice / Feedback & Suggestion Center section to the X308 section. members here with the same vehicle as you have will be able to advise on factors that could be causing the droning.

Graham

 

One regular source of this type of transmitted noise or vibration is worn metalastik Vee Mounts on either side of the Front Cross Member (arrowed in red):



(click on the image to enlarge it)

These isolate the front suspension from the body. Less common is failure of the Rear Bushes (arrowed in blue).

The engine is isolated from the Cross Member with rubber Mountings (arrowed in green). These can split or be affected by oil.

Graham

 

Thanks so much GGG!! I will share your recommendation with my mechanic on my next service and report back.
If I could ask one more (unrelated) question: AC works well...very cold...but the rear center vent barely blows any air, and the shutter is wide open. Is this par for the course, or an interior baffle that is not functioning?...my inclination is to leave as is rather than open up center console or other dash panels...the car cools well.
Thanks again for your advice...love this forum and the people associated with it. I have become a Jag fanatic in short order!
Best,
-Bill

 

Bill,

That certainly is unrelated!

I recall the output from the rear vent in my XJ8L was poor unless the front vents were partly closed.

Check it with the front vents fully closed and see if you get a good output. If there's little or no improvement, I'd suspect the 'thumbwheel' control that opens the flow flap could be broken.

Graham

 

Bill,

Would you have any news of this? I too have a soft droning sound when at idle, and it appears again at around 52-54 MPH @ 1600-1800 RPM. Interested to learn of your (or anyone else's) experience.

Thanks!

 

TSBs, TSBs TSBs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please read through them occasionally.

I'm not saying that this is the problem, but it could be!!!!
Kinda expensive repair for a NOISE!!

bob gauff