I may have exact part terminology wrong but I’ll call it the “constant velocity boot”. I’ve recently returned from a long trip approx 1200 miles as trip meter. Whilst on our journey a minor banging noise was heard from rear left of car, my first thoughts were that the rear left silencer had become come loose, it’s was particularly worse when turning a right corner or bend putting pressure on the left hand suspension.

Back home now still very concerned I jacked up and removed left rear wheel. Immediately I noticed what is to me a loose “boot” cover from back of the wheel hub held on by a jubilee clip on the driveshaft from the diff., obviously loose. I’ve pushed back the loose “boot” re tightened the jubilee clip and now all is tight and subsequent road test all is quiet as it should be. I’m relatively new to the XJ-S so forgive me for my ignorance, am I to just put this down to a maintenance matter, the jubilee clip is in good Nick, tightened up no obvious fluid leakage. Any opinions much appreciated.

mike

 

They're simply tin U-joint covers

https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.../brand/jaguar/

Some guys take 'em off entirely and toss 'em over the hedge

Cheers
DD

 

You fixed it! There is a hole in the cover that allows access to a grease fitting on the U-joint. You have to position the cover so the opening is aligned with the grease fitting.