Hi,
I have a '98 X308 XJR. The car suffers badly from tramlining, there is play in the steering, and suffers bump steer when hitting uneven surfaces whilst cornering.
I replaced the front tyres (245/45/18 fitted to XK8 rims) and they were worn heavily on the inside with the right hand tyre suffering the most wear.
I took the Jag to a local tyre shop who was unable to align it due to the following:
When the front wheels are off the ground, the wheel can be pushed from side to side. When this happens there is movement on the steering rack near the bellows. The mechanic stated that the steering rack bushes were worn and needed replacing.
Before I take it to the Jag dealer (which is horrendously overpriced and I have to take it back for them to fix the lousy job they did on the supercharger cooling system hoses) please give me some advice.

Is it the inner tie rods that are worn? Are there a series of bushes that can be replaced in the steering rack?

I have just moved to Sydney Australia and Jag specialists are a bit thin on the ground. I had a very good Jag specialist in Brisbane (R.C Grieve at Ascot).

Thanks

Grant

PS First post though I have been lurking for quite a while. I appreciate the advice

 

Grant,

You've emerged from lurking with a real one here!

The tyre wear is almost certain to be alignment but it could be suspension bushes. The snap judgement from the mechanic on rack bushes isn't convincing unless he demonstrated the play in the rack to you whilst the vehicle was on the lift.

I'd be getting the front end off the ground and going over the steering and suspension to find out exactly where the movement is coming from before visiting the dealer.

If it's in the steering, it could be worn rack as you've been told or rack mountings or track rod ends. On the suspension, check the upper wishbone bushes; a common wear item which can introduce spectacular amounts of free play.

Graham

 

I saw the free play in the rack near the bellows when the wheel was moved from towards and away from the mechanic.

I suspected it is tie tod ends or similar. There is no fluid leaking from the rack.

Thanks again

Grant

 

Hello again
I had the car inspected by Trivett Jaguar and they determined that it was the offside (right) inner tie rod end that needs replacing.

Because the inner tie rod is not sold seperately I was quoted almost $3000 for a new rack from England (not including labour) or $600+ for a reconditioned rack plus labour ($1000)

Is anyone aware of an aftermarket inner tie rod being available?
Can the tie rod be fitted to the rack or is the thread crimped (at the factory) into the rack that disallows removal of the inner tie rod.

Thanks in advance

Grant

 

The inner tie rods are available. I believe Jagbits.com and other vendors have them listed

 

There are previous threads you can reference which detail the tools and techniques for changing the inner tie rods.