The gaiters on my steering rack are split (prior owner neglect). The gaiters on the tie rod ends are bad. These are relatively inexpensive parts so am going to replace the tie rod ends when I replace the gaiters. I am going to do a full suspension rebuilds over the winter - I plan to dropping the crossmember etc.

The steering effort, while I can tell there is power assist for sure, it just feels "wrong" stiffer than I would expect. Also I have vibrations through the steering at a few different speeds. This was much worse but I found the wheel bearings were loose enough to allow movement in the wheel (fixed).

I know this is probably an impossible question to answer but should I be planning on sourcing a steering rack during my rebuild? Or plan on rebuilding?

Also I'll take any advice on the tie rod end replacement - seems straightforward but I don't know what I don't know!

 

I wouldn't plan on rebuilding yourself things need to be set up, appropriately pressure tested, adjusted and very few DIY'ers are equipped to do this

What are you comparing this to - have you compared to another XJS from the period ? - they don't work like 'modern' cars.

First thing to do is to flush the fluid, replace it completely with new, when you drain the old capture it for inspection - both visual and a sniff test, make sure there's no leaks and check the pump belt tension. The issue may be the pump, there is a filter in the Saginaw pump but it isn't servicable, there is also a valve in there that can stick and for sure this will impact the amount of 'assistance'. I looked for months for an appropriate kit of bits and didn't find, though you may have more success in the US as that is the pumps origin and I found loads of places in the US but getting stuff shipped was challenging most suppliers declined or wanted stupid money - I managed to put a screwdriver through my filter cleaning it .. ended up buying a complete pump.

Rod ends are straightforward but don't go cheap - go Lemforder, I had the tie rods done by the company that refurbed the rack.

 

This is my first XJS , I also have a 2015 XJL but not expecting that. Nothing I've had in the past really compares. But I guess how I would describe it - I have this impression of unrealized potential. I can just feel ...this car can drive a lot better than it does if that makes sense - the steering is heavy and just well.. wrong. I know lots of components are worn from age and I am sure this car had stretch's of its life where it wasn't driven.

Thank you for the advice on the rack that helps to know what to plan for!.. and also details on the pump I'll check all that out!

 

Consider that suspension issues can impact how steering feels and the XJS is very hard on front suspension.

You need to draw up a plan to assess the health of the suspension and work your way through, the problem may not be where you think - could be semi siezed ball joints - sagging suspension - maybe a program of working your way through and see how things go before you go tearing too much apart that ultimately proves not to be the issue - sorry if this sounds a little cryptic

There's a good doc in the stickies section from Grant about going through an XJS - not suggesting you do everything in it .... Worksheet

 

The short answer is no, do not assume you have a steering rack project in your future. Fix what is wrong now and you can reassess later, but it sounds like you have suspension parts to renew, which would not require steering rack replacement/rebuild.

 

IMO, if the whole front suspension is to be swung down *, i would have the rack rebuilt, unless money is an issue.

The rack isn't impossible to change on an assembled car, but its easier to R&R with the suspension dropped, and from long experience, just doing 80% of job, usually means you will be going back to do the other 20% not long after.

*those big front pivot bolts can be a real bear to remove. Even with the engine and radiator out of my car, they wouldn't budge with a fair amount of force, so those two large rubber donuts did not get changed; as they looked in real good shape. Everything else is doable with the suspension swung down and hanging from those pivot bolts. The springs should be removed and replaced with the suspension attached on all four corners, though. Other threads cover spring removal, it isn't hard, just time consuming and lot of wrench turning to drop them gradually.

Doug

 

The problem is that, according to other posts here, rebuilt racks have a terrible reputation. I think this is a case where it’s better to leave well enough alone. If you want to change the bushings, that would be a good idea, but swapping out a perfectly good steering rack for a rebuilt one might just be asking for trouble.

 

What you are probably sensing is a mix of things that will be wrong on an XJS that is close to 40 years old. Let me suggest two fairly easy and inexpensive things to do that might make a big difference:

1. Look at your two steering rack bushings. Are they the OEM type bushings that look like this:

IF yes, then replace them with polyurethane upgrades. Even when brand new, the original OEM design makes the steering vague and response is delayed, as they age it just gets worse. Eventually the rubber goes and the rack just slides back and forth.

2. Unless you have service records showing the power steering hoses were replaced within the last 10 years, I would replace them immediately. On older cars, a "heavy feeling" steering is often a warning sign of a power steering hose on it's way to failure. So before you find yourself stranded with a burst hose and possible pump damage, be proactive and replace them now.

 

A viewpoint that I find myself taking more frequently due to the iffy quality of so many replacement parts these days.

With cars like the XJS I'm still an advocate of "do it all, do it right, do it once" when addressing faults with sub-systems. Front suspension system, fuel system, cooling system, and such. Get the pain and misery over with in one shot.

However, within that school of thought there's room for carefully considered exceptions when certain replacement parts are known to have high failure rights. Sometimes it makes better sense to leave still-good original parts in place.

WRT steering racks in particular Coventry West was the gold standard, IMO. Now that CW is gone it's a bit risky buying a rack. I've had a couple duds. But, FWIW, I went to "Maval" brand and it was a good one.

Cheers
DD

 

My first thought was ball joints...which may have already been mentioned.

I had some cars, Jag and others, where the ball joint boots were lone gone, leaving the joints exposed to the elements. Over the years they morph from ball joints to cube joints......with very stiff operation

Cheers
DD

 

Here here - but that can come with a significant price that many aren't prepared for .... not to mention scope creep of insane proportions

I too have been bitten a few times by substandard aftermarket stuff - sure it is available but the quality is to a price point not a standard, some is not even what it claims to be, and with the Jaguars 'we' run being the age they are genuine OEM (which can also be of dubious quality) or quality aftyermarket items are becoming scarce with the good stuff commanding a significant premium. Any part with origins in China or India should be avoided like the plague..

Alas many get into an XJS with a dream, never fully appreciating what they are getting into - I know I didn't .... but I'm not afraid to get stuck in and I am fortunate enough not to be watching the pennies, there are however things that even I will not take on albeit very few but the steering rack is one such item, rebuilding the limited slip diff was another.

 

So true, Ben. Anyone in the UK, I advise to send the rack to Kiley Clinton in the Midlands near Birmingham to get a top rebuildjob at a fair price.