Chaps,

I recently had my beloved XJR (01) in to Jag to get the front right lower control arm and both tie rod ends - $1400. Previously the car pulled to the right and I had a shimmer in the steering around 50-65. Well after the work the shimmer is still there and the mechanic says that I have bent rims??? I noticed last week that if I move the steering wheel slightly from left to right - 3 inches or so there is a creek from the front left wheel. The car has the original shocks - done 106k. I did notice that the bushing ontop of the shock are starting to perish. Could the shocks be causing all these problems or just a worn bushing or three??

Help, as ever, is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Steve

 

When the car reaches the 100k mark, it's worth checking each and every bush, and replace as per - they're not made to last forever. Upper and lower shock bushes are favourite. Also front subframe mounts upper and rear, engine mounts, anti role(sway) bar.

The wheels can be checked by swapping the rears and see if the shimmy is there.

 

Ball joints are a common problem,usually the lowers. I would also have the tire and wheels road force balanced- That will take any guess work out of if there is a bent rim or bad tire.

 

OK guys - I've been told that my power steering hose is leaking - would this make the steering creek? The leak is coming from the bottom of the car to the side of the drivers side wheel. Is this the suction hose? Been quoted $270 to fix it.

Cheers

Steve

 

$270 is a whole lot for a leaking hose!!

With low steering fluid I think the power steering motor can whine or squeal, although I have driven other vehicles with low/near-no fluid and it is no big deal at all, just like driving an older car without power-steering.

 

OK - new twist. I have been reliably informed by my mechanic that the power steering is OK - But I still have the suspension creek when I turn the wheels whilst stood still. Could it be a control arm or an upper shock mount? I'm pulling my hair out as I've been under the car and all seems well.

Thoughts or ideas chaps?

Cheers

Steve

 

from past experience on volvos, this ended up being outer tie-rods causing the creak. they are fairly cheap and easy to do.

 

I also have a shimmy between 50-65. I was thinking simple balance issue. Could it be more?

2001 XJ8 w/ 130k miles.

 

That's the first thing to get checked and sorted, cheap too.