Looking for yea/nay on choice of remanufactured steering rack. Choice is either cardone or mavel. Price difference is double for the mavel. Inclined to go with more expensive, hoping they're process includes some extra quality assurance procedures.

Thanks,
Sean

1987 Jaguar XJS convertible V12

 

There's a third choice: Coventry West 800 331 2193

Very good reputation when it comes rebuilt racks, differentials, calipers, etc

That said, I've had good luck with Cardone products in general


Cheers
DD

 

I've had a Cardone one in mine for over 7 years.

 

Checked the usual suppliers. No one has em in stock, they have to order from a third party. Same place the big discount online suppliers get their racks from. Coventry West doesn't even have it listed.

My concern is the remanufacturer, not retailer. I try to support Jag retailers but sometimes it just doesn't make sense.

Sean

 

Thanks JT,

A few years back, did you post a Jacksonville craigslist link for a black XJS convertible?

 

Yes, that's right.

 

Call them


Coventry West is the rebuilder that *supplies* many of the retailers. They have a good reputation. I have bought many racks from them.

Cheers
DD

 

No luck coventry west. They may get some in next week. Their price is competitive.

Thanks for the prompt to call,
Sean

 

I would go with the rack doctor he gives a life time warranty (as I plan to pass this down to a great grandchild )


and price is very nice

XJS SERIES - RACK DOCTOR - Quality Rack and Pinion Remanufacturing

 

life time warranty, free shipping and the price is right! What's not to like about that!

 

I think we have a winner. Thank you Jonathan.

Small business that specializes. Perfect place I like to deal with.

Thanks again Jonathan,
Sean

 

When ordering you might want to discuss "Sportspack" and "Non-sportspack" racks.

Your '87 probably (almost certainly, actually) does not have "sportspack"

The difference is that the "Sportspack" racks use a spacer (item 14 in the illustration below) to limit rack travel...to allow for the larger 235/60 tires


Steering Rack and Pinion-5.3 Litre - Parts For XJS from (V)139052 to (V)179736 | Jaguar Classic Parts UK


It's no big deal but the spacer limits the rack travel....which in turns limits the amount the front wheels can be turned and thus increases the room needed to (for example) manuever into a parking space or make a U-turn

Cheers
DD

 

Yes, but only if you need to turn to full lock.... normally you get'er done with out the full monty on the steering input... and when I am in that situation I put her some where else....

 

That's interesting. I have 245's on 8" rims on the front and I was originally concerned about rubbing, as I had heard TWR used 225's to prevent this.

But my tyres do not rub on full lock.......

It there a difference in the turns L2L between the sports and standard rack?

 

I dunno !


Cheers
DD

 

Hi I am in the same boat like you my question is did you buy it from doctor rack?
and was the deal OK?

 

A lot of steering racks come with a lifetime warranty - you'll hope you won't need it.


I bought one such rack, installed it, brought my car in for a 4 wheel alignment and the technician told me I had multiple pinion seal leaks. I was very disappointed - replacing a steering rack is not a super easy job, at least not for a novice like me. I opted to accept the leaks and drive the car this past summer - the season is short in my part of the world. I'll probably try to replace it again this winter.


I can't say for sure, but several people have told me the only way to be sure a rebuilt rack won't leak is to buy one from Jaguar. That'll run you close to $2K. No easy answer, I'm afraid.

 

I ended sending my original rack to rebuilt to coventry west going to get it back this monday but this time before i am putting it back i am going to flash the system replace all new hoses send my pump to result and then use the only oil that come with the car new castor mineral

 

Sending it in to Coventry sounds like a good plan. The problem with that approach for me was time - I have maybe 5 months of convertible weather, so I opted to buy one that was shipped to me within a week of placing my order.


Not sure what you mean by "flushing the system"? I guess you could run the system with a PS hose off? Be careful you don't run the rack dry. I also replaced all of my hoses, but just used PS fluid. What benefit do you get from using Castor oil? Just curious.

 

Ok I bought a remanufacture rack installed and after 2 month and 10 mile it started leaking very badly, find out that someone used some red oil with some grey geese probably ate the seals so I need to clean all the line include the cooler replace all the old hoses using the original oil that come with the car new that what say in the car book I am not playing with it