I’ve been having some problems with steering wheel play in my 00 XJR. I have the old style tube in a tube style lower steering column link. When I move the steering wheel there is play between the inner and outer tube.

I have looked online and I can get a used lower steering column link from a XJ8 and I was wondering what else I would need and how easy of a job it is to replace it.

I was also wondering if I could do anything with my current column i.e putting a bolt through both tubes to remove the play between them.

 

They aren't that bad to replace, just in a tight spot in my opinion. You'll have to get under to disconnect it at the rack, disconnect inside from the upper column and push it through the firewall. You'll need to make sure you keep the wheels straight, and steering wheel straight, otherwise it'll be off. As for reconnecting, the rack side will be easy. Inside at the upper column will be a bit tricky. Some have come off fairly easy by hand, as others have need a little persuasion. I used a tiny hammer for the inside, once the splines are lined up, tap it up in place.

As for putting a bolt through the tubes, never done that before, but I suppose it could be done. Keep in mind that the bolt and the hole its going through in the tubes may also wear out at some point. Might be better to just replace it.

 

 

Just the lower column

 

AND you need the rubber grommet, as it has to have an enlarged opening for the column seal...

 

Lower steering column jaguar x308

Cdc, I actually did the opposite - removed the newer one because the u joint was jamming, and replaced it with the older version not realising it was actually outdated.
The hard bit was getting it off the splines of the steering rack and off of the upper column. That really takes some effort and it's all in tight spaces. It helped to loosen the bolts of the steering rack for me. I'll have to replace mine again eventually. Don't forget to seat the boot properly before installing the column.

 

 

The part number for the upgraded column is MNE9501AC, or MNE9501AD, they both have a very similar design. I also had a hard time finding the updated style online, took a little while. I've attached the relevant TSB. Honestly if your current column doesn't have play or knocking then you can probably get away for a while without changing it.

 

 

Item 10, Reposition lower steering column universal joint away from steering rack, might test your nerves. It's a little more involved if the column won't come away from the steering rack.

If that doesn't go according to plan, maybe loosen or even remove the steering rack bolts to help you. Just remember that there are two tabs on the steering rack that need to be aligned when you reinstall. They shouldn't go out of line if you don't move the wheels though?

A little heat plus wax, or just lots of penetrating fluid will help too.

 

Just to update this thread I finally got under the car to check the column and I found out that my inner tie rods are shot and make a noticeable click the I hold them and someone rocks the steering wheel. The column itself looks to be OK.