Hello all.
I have this thumping/rubbing noise on my XJS when decelerating or turning left.
On deceleration the noise is there but not as loud, but when I turn to the left the noise gets louder. Turning to the right there is no noise whatsoever.
I checked to see if the tire or rim was touching anything within the wheel well but there are no visible signs.
I have checked to see if there is any bearing play but there is none.
I jacked up the car putting the jack under the spring pan and turned the wheel to the left but I can't hear any noise or rubbing. The wheel spins freely.
Is it possible that the problem is with the inner bearing or the stub axle?
I have replaced upper and lower ball joints and the upper and lower control arm bushings look to be in good condition. ( I do have new control arm bushings if I need to replace them)
Any ideas as to what might be causing this noise? I am at my wits end tracking down the noise.

 

Nothing carved in stone but a failing wheel bearing typically gives a growling or rumbling noise....which doesn't quite match up to your description.

Did you spin test and inspect just the left front? Or both sides?

When turning left the right side bearings and suspension are more heavily loaded and would be more likely to make noise

Cheers
DD

 

Doug, I spun tested both sides and I am not hearing any noise on either side with the car in the air. I do not know the history of this car so I am going to replace all front wheel bearings and seals which I already have to see whether that will help. I also have new stub axles which I had purchased a while ago but sold the car it was earmarked for..
As stated, the noise is definitely coming from the left side of the car and only when turning left just a little bit. No noise with the steering wheel straight and accelerating.
Noise/rub starts when decelerating and turning left. The more I turn left the louder the noise/rub.

 

Sanchez, Not sure if its inner bearings - it might be but doesn't show same symptoms as mine - but who knows? FWIW - I had noticeable play due to stub axle wear at the inner bearing - especially 12 & 6 o'clock. - but no noise. After I fixed it though the car was transformed. Brakes were much better, especially the initial feel (brake pads had been backing off a bit) and a very slight vibration at speed (that I hadn't really noticed before) was gone. I used new axles, new bearings and also added a conical spacer to clamp the bearings properly. Its available from SNG Barratt (uses shims) and Rob Beere Racing (machine to fit). If you do replace the axles and bearings, you might consider adding the spacer also - I'm a believer and I've since added to other cars with same inner bearing arrangement. Regarding noise: maybe inspect everything rubber all the way through the car, including gearbox mounts, IRS, exhaust hangers etc. to see if anything looks too close together or loose. Also - the steering rack heat shields can get close to the rack and exhaust. Be careful under the car. HTH, Dave

 

Bit of a wildcard, but have you checked your power steering fluid? I had a similar symptom on mine - something I interpreted as a rubbing noise only when turning left. After being stumped for a while looking for evidence of contact, I noticed it got louder at full lock, so I checked the fluid, found it was low so topped it up, and my mystery turning noise is gone.

Maybe an optimistic easy fix but worth a go if you haven't checked it in a while.

 

I did not mention this before as I had it in another post.
My XJS has an lt1 engine with a 4L60E tranny. It was installed using a conversion kit from Jaguar Specialities.
Funny thing about this is that I can't remember hearing this noise prior to installing new tires. I am using 215/70/15.
I have inspected the wheel well and the suspension components for any sign of rubbing but I can't find any.
Today, I installed new upper and lower ball joints and new wheel bearings and seal. There was some minimal wear on the stub axle, but I replaced it anyway since I had them.
When I removed the brake caliper the two spacers that go between the caliper and the steering arm were missing.
Since I do not have the spacers I will reinstall the calipers as they were without the spacers. Many members on this forum and the Series 1;11;111 forum have done this with no adverse effects.
What's your take on that?

 

I've wondered, from time to time, how many Jags are running around without those spacers.

I've never heard of anything bad happening although some have mentioned that lack of spacers might stress the steering arm.

Adding/removing the spacers does change the toe-in on your alignment, though.

Cheers
DD

 

I am going to look at a parts car I have to see if the spacers are still there. If not, I will assemble as is and see what happens.