Hello Jaguar Enthusiasts,

2001 xj8, when I drive, the steering wheel vibrates left to right and the whole car shakes too. As I speed up it evens out but still vibrates and veers to the right. It' bad. This is constant regardless of braking, drifting or under power. I hear a lot of jangling noise on rough roads. I can't tell from where though. It's not a smooth ride over bumps; abrupt jarring and noisy. The car seems to be sagging too.

I replaced shock mounts. That helped a little.
The rubber in the sway bar links is torn but I don't thinks that accounts for the symptoms.
The hubs are solid on both axis. The tie rod ends look ok.
Other rubber bushings appear good but I purchased new ones and will replace them if necessary / easy.
I will replace the shocks regardless.

Before I start diagnosis by replacing parts, can anyone suggest how I should approach this?

Jeffxj8

 

What is the condition of the tyres? If they're older than five years from the date stamped on the sidewall, that would be one area that can steering flutter.

 

Sure sounds like worn-out shocks, maybe just the lower shock mounts. Front sway bushings, tie rod links, and old, dried out tires.

 

sounds like a ****** tire belt

 

sorry, forgot the f . shifted belt

 

It ended up to be a rear wheel bearing issue.

 

SUCCESS!

Look at that tire! Ridiculous ! Embarrassing. It was on the right rear. I had alignment done a year ago.

I put 4 new tires on ( 70 dollars each, mounted and balanced, Douglas tires from Wal Mart, rated to 119 mph) and.... all the problems solved. Its a new car. I had it up to 90 mph and didn't realize I was going so fast, smooth and quiet. I cant believe the solution was so simple.

I'm still going to install new front shocks and stabilizer links, (rubber torn) and get it aligned.

NB Cat, Jhartz, steven302 , you guys were right on, THX for the advice. I didn't even think to look at something so fundamental as tires.

I am STOKED, jeff xj8

 

 

i learned years ago to never buy tires from wallmart/samsclub. they buy everything in such large quanity that they can dictate prices they want to pay a company for the product, so quality is subpar. i had name brand tires installed on my 96 xj6 and did not get 5000 before one had a shiffted belt then another went out of round [oblong]..i've bought the last 5 sets from tire rack, as i have many cars. i only had one issue and it was taken care of with no problems,steve.

 

Thx steven300 Ill keep that in mind. I was going to get Goodyear tires but they only had 3 in stock.

Next, ac repair on my 2002 ( a leak developed at the sensor nipple on the compressor to condenser line, easy access ,It threads on and was very loose it tightened up and I'm going to add some 134 ) I'll probably have to consult the forum. And a new water pump. My current one chirps live a bird.

jeffxj8

 

Have the primary and secondary timing chains, guides and tensioners been replaced with the latest metal versions?

The water outlet pipe and thermostat housing should also be replaced if the water pump is suspect. If you don't already have it installed, the thermostat housing is available in aluminium to eliminate failure of the plastic hose connections.

 

Thanks NB Cat.

The water necks on my 2001 and 2002 are both aluminum. I replaced the plastic one on the 2001. It broke and the hose fell off twice. Im pretty sure my tensioners are metal on both cars, someone told me my production years made the cut.?

I just today put a new water pump on the 2002.(one bolt rounded off) It was chirping like a bird. Now it sounds better but i have no heat. I guess I have to let the coolant fill the system.? Ill let it cool and try to add more coolant tomorrow.

jeffx8j