Well today I spent the first of many dollars on the ol Jag. Fifty two dollars bought me an undercarriage inspection and condition report from a front end/frame specialist here on the island.

Friends had warned me that he was a real nit-picker and he was bound to condemn everything that had ANY wear, so I was expecting the worst, after all, she's a '94 with 172000 on the clock. I knew the right front tire (P6000 16) was hooped and would have to go but I wasn't sure if that was the only thing causing her to 'wander' a bit.

I dropped her off and came back in about an hour. She was still up on the hoist so I asked the inspector if I could take a look. A really friendly guy who explained what was happening - suggested the front wheel bearings could use tightening and the rt front tire was finished - told me to mount the rear tires on the front and mount the spare and left front on the rear then see how she feels. If that makes no difference, we'd do an alignment next.

He gave me the impression that overall, the running gear was 'not too bad', but the written report recommendation list is a bit long for my liking - of course I'd rather KNOW than not - that's why I took it in in the first place!

Here's the report:
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TEST DRIVE - steering wheel is off to the right, pulls to the right most of the time, wobble at slower speeds, wobble and or thump noise (poss tire and or bearing noise)

RECOMMENDATIONS
Front subframe bushings typically soft - right front upper is also oil soaked, looking to be swelling & has some cracks.
Steering rack bushings are very soft with a lot of movement - typical - keep an eye on them or replace if troubles continue.
Left front sway bar link is coming off the bushing - replace.
Front upper control arm bushings have play and should be replaced.
Front lower control arm bushings are in poor shape and right are also oil soaked - should be replaced.
Left front shock has contacted the sway bar in the past.
Front wheel bearings have some play and noise but noise may be from brakes.
Right engine mount is partially broken - has chunks hanging out.
Transmission mount seems weak; there is a lot of bounce to it - possibly spring loaded.
There are oil leaks at the front of the engine and the rear near the rack - difficult to tell if the rack is leaking.
Right rocker panel is damaged.
There is a lot of play in the right rear third member and/or u-joints and/or wheel bearing.
Both rear axle seals leaking.
Right front tire is out of round & worn with a cut to the cords in the sidewall - replace.
Left rear rim has some curb damage.
Tires have not been rotated.

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So fifty bucks well spent imho.

I didn't like seeing the oil leak, gotta get that figured out before I spend any money on bushings. Next stop - underbody steam cleaners.

anyway fwiw,

all the best

 

Looks to be about right for the age and mileage.

Swapping your tyres as per... will likely make a small difference, but I doubt a massive improvement, they are part worn after all.

IMHO an alignment with all your worn bushings/mounts and worn tyres will at this time be a waste of money.

Get it done after you have made the repairs and immediately upon fitting new tyres.

Or live with it for the time being.

Re oil leaks, check your cam cover, the gaskets seem to be prone to weeping and over tightening only makes things worse.

We used to say if it isn't leaking oil, then it has run out.

+ it helps prevent rust.

Steam cleaning, cover all your electrics with plastic bags and be mighty careful!

 

Very well spent and an extremely reasonable charge. Sounds like he knows what he is doing and is willing to communicate the knowledge.

You found a gem, and if he is willing to do the work .. even better.