After dropping the column and taking a good look, I see a white plastic nut that has a screw of about 1/2 inch turning ether way when the reach button is activated. I would assume that is what is moving the wheel in and out. PROBLEM! If it is a nut then the threads are gone.Where do I find the plastic nut. This is what I can see after just dropping the front part of the column and maybe something else is going on that I cant see.Thanks
Bill
98/XJ8 VDP

 

I am sitting with the same problem; reach function failed.

The white plastic 'nut' is just a white plastic cover.

Here is what I think I know, unencumbered with knowledge or experience.

The 'Reach' most likely fails due to failure of the potentiometer (variable resister) that identifies the location of the steering column. This allow the reach motor to continue to attempt to move the column beyond the end of its travel and consequentially stripping the flex shaft. (flex shaft $44.95 at Coventry West)

The upper column bolts are 10mm on the front side and, as of yet, undefined TORX or Allen size on the steering wheel side. You also have to drop the forward bolts to lower the entire column to get to the motor assembly.

The column will apparently manually move with a hard pull to allow additional access (before removing the mounting bolts)

The Jaguar dealer procedure is to replace the motor or flexible shaft on the 'tilt' mechanism and to replace the entire column for the 'reach' operation.

Is suspect that the difficulty is in aligning the position potentiometer and with the physical limits of the column.

I have tried to access the bolts to the point of reassembling everything. I didn't give up, just put off the big effort.

I would challenge everyone to get this repair documented for the XK8/R world famous FAQ Sticky. Maybe this weekend.

 

I do not think the cable is my problem although I have a new one. As I said the large threaded shaft turns when I operate the reach switch so I am thinking that it screws in and out of the nut to move the wheel.I know if I drop the column down I will see what is the problem, just thought some one could tell me first.
Thanks
Bill
98/XJ8 VDP

 

Take pictures! I am perfectly willing to let you go first.

 

Just went out and confirmed my beliefs that the plastic nut is the item that moves the wheel. To remove the plastic nut/ shaft will have to be removed and there are two holes under the column to get at the screws. Now can I get the nut somewhere or do I have to buy a hole wheel assembly. Some one chime in and help. Thanks

 

May not be very helpful, but here is a picture with part numbers. A Steering Column Reach Motor Kit is identified, but I don't see a separate nut.

http://www.captainjaguarscathouse.co...204/2_C_06.tif

 

Dropped down the column and it is really easy, just 4 bolts. I found the plastic nut but you have to buy the whole assembly at $225.00 to get it, that is unacceptable and before I would pay that I would fix the wheel solid and forget it.
Bill
98/XJ8 VDP

 

I can see the four bolts but have difficulty reaching the upper ones with tools probably compounded by trying to fit my little body upside down and backwards in the area in front of the seat.

I had assumed that the white nut you are referring to is the 1/2" diameter one that appears to be a cover on flex shaft. Perhaps not.

Please describe how you removed the upper nuts/bolts.

 

The first two are looking straight at you when you are seated and with the cover off the top of the column, must use a long extension and I think they are 13mm. The extension will run through the wheel to the bolts. The other two bolts are from the bottom and from the floor board looking up on ether side of the column, once the four are removed the column will drop down and both motors are in view. Good luck
Bill
98/XJ8 VDP

 

The two that can be seen through the wheel are 10mm and the two on the bottom are 13mm.Just thought you would like to know.
Bill