Hello, steering is a bit loose and strange. Car is 1998 xj8 3,2.

Did some research and found out that the steering shaft has some issues and it has a updated version. Was going to replace today but there seems to be a problem.

This is the current part

This is similar that i have for replacement. It doesnt have the joint in other end


So i thought that i can just get the old out and install new, but there is no joint where to tighten the replacement part. Or is it? I mean what is under the rubber that is next to the joint? Is there a hole where i can stick this replacement part shaft?

other question is that i understood that these shafts would have somekind on system to adjust the length, because without that this is impossible to put in place or take out without lowering the whole subframe.

 

You can either drop the steering rack or remove the steering column. Patience is key. Marking the splines where the coupler splits with whiteout works well also.

 

You need the UJ on the steering rack end for the updated lower column assembly. It can't be salvaged from the old part.

Take the bolt inside the UJ holding the lower and upper columns together out all the way, then you can slide the lower column off. The lower column can be installed in situ without touching the upper column in the car. I think you can install it without dropping the rack either, though it's been a while, you may have to take the mounts off and flex it slightly to clear the pinion shaft (but do that as the last step, after you've connected it to the upper column and installed the firewall seal)