Hi All,

I thought I had better post a new thread regarding the xj40 Half Shaft Universal Joints and a warning to those undertaking replacement.

Some have been following my post " A Man and his Diff" and the trials and tribulations I've been going through. Well today has not been much different. I noticed deterioration of the plastic seals on my Half Shaft Uni Joints which means that they won't retain grease. The bearings themselves were still good though. So whilst I have them out on the floor I ordered 4 new ones this morning and within an hour they were in my hot (not so) little hands.

Off to the garage I go and bugger me, they don't fit! They were too big!

They were of the Hardy Spicer Brand which according to their catalogue- Part Number K5-GB10R, fit all Jaguar xj6, xj12 & xjs. The Catalogue is incorrect and the Correct Part Number to fit should be 5-178x (or 5-178xlhd)

The dimensions of the genuine JLM1388 are overall cap O.D. 30.18mm Compressed length (cap to cap) 92.25.

The dimensions of the Hardy Spicer (and others) 5-178x is cap O.D. 30.16mm Compressed length (cap to cap) 92.08.

The difference is miniscule but hopefully I'll have them Monday to confirm.