SOLVED 21MAY2009

Hi friends,
my xj8 has become rather hard to steer. The power steering is working but still it feels funny. For example, when driving on the highway one has to steer "back" to straight after going through curves. I put the car up on jacks so the wheels did not touch the ground and then tried turning the wheel. It is not as smooth as one would expect, not even when the engine is on (but there is a difference of course). There is something wrong, for sure. I am told the jag steering should normally be very light, almost too light. I haven't done so many miles in this car, but I think the problem has gotten worse since I got it. At least I didn't notice it when I first got it.

I don't expect anyone to present the solution based on this info, but I am curious if anyone has experienced the same thing. I am thinking it could be a number of possible causes and I'd be interested if anyone has heard of this before.

Also, I wonder if the components in the steering system are found on any other car brand as well - it could give me a wider range of expertise to choose from. Not that many Jag shops around this place.