I'm new to the Jag world and have an 85 XJ6 with a popping noise I have traced to the steering rack moving back and forth on the mounting bolt bushing. What is the fix for this? Or do I have to replace the rack?

 

Believe it or not, the rack is meant to move on its mounts left and right and there are buffers to limit the movement. Look at this diagram: -
https://www.sngbarratt.com/English/#...assembly/17176
There are two thrust washer in the assembly, one per mount. They are rubber faced and limit the rack movement, but movement is intended to improve refinement. Lots of people swap out to solid Polybush mounts, but these do make the steering a bit harsh to use. No thrust washers are needed with Polybush mounts. I swapped over but wished I hadn't !
SNG Barrett also supply the Polybush type; these do not allow left-right movement.
https://www.sngbarratt.com/English/#...7-018930d39832

 

But the existing bushes are probably worn and responsible for the noise.

 

Replace the rack mounts!

 

Hello,
read this thread:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...cement-288839/

 

I put poly bushes in my S3 steering rack about 15 years ago and they work fine.

 

Same here...