I am experiencing a shimmy or wobble upon hitting bumps and/or approaching driveway aprons at slow speed. It happens at high speed as well, but not as noticeable. This is my first Jag and in my experience, that sort of thing is usually related to the axle control arms and/or loose bolts. Has anyone had this problem before? If so, please advise me to your situation and any possible fix. I have not familiarized myself with the suspension on my '99 VP and would appreciate any information regarding this issue.

On a side note, I really like the ride appart from the shimmy. Nice vehicle to drive.

 

Did you find a solution to the problem?

 

I have yet to find the culprit. I checked the wheels and there is no play, so I doubt it's bearings. I can't tell if the control arm bushings are shot or not, for I can not see any (visible) wearing/tearing, but it's hard to tell without taking apart the front suspension. I just got through with changing the trany fluid, which was a major chore, for the fill plug was frozen in place and required the use of an air-chisel to get it loose!?! I guess they mean it when they say sealed for life! LOL! It was ready for replacement after 48K miles and there was a considerable amount of shavings on the magnets. It now shifts extremely smooth...glad I went ahead with the preventative maintenance. I went over the suspension once more while under there and could not find anything amiss...all bolts were tight, etc. i'm stumped on the wobble issue. It could still be the bushings and I may just buy some new ones and have my local machine shop press out the old and in the new for me. From what I understand, it is a common failure on the X308.

I just replaced the headliner as well, which was a bit easyer than I had anticipated. These cars need alot of TLC, but I can't help but smile every time I get behind the wheel...very few cars that have had that affect on me. Next on the list of things to do is check the tensioners...and see how well the AutoRx has done to clean the engine. The oil was pitch black after the initial 1500 mile change. My cam cover leak has subsided since administering the AutoRx, so I believe it is working as advertised. It also runs quieter.

 

I have had an alignment and the bushings look good. JagG...what is the proper method for checking the ball joints for play on a Jaguar? Should the vehicle be on the ground or the front end suspended and pressure placed under the control arm(s)? Please advise me as to the correct proceedure.

Thanks.