Hello - I am looking to buy 2005 Jaguar XK8 with 91K miles and the steering column doesn' t telescope and it is a bit loose in the socket - I can move it up and down by about 1/2 " approx
seller is telling me the steering collar needs adjusting by Jaguar specialist and its no big deal- what am i looking at for real? the wheel shakes over bumps

 

Steering column non-movement is a common problem on these older XK8s. One of the most common fixes is to cut the white/blue wire running from the tilt motor to the body processor module. To get to it, you unscrew the two 8mm bolts at the front lower edge of the trim panel underneath the steering column and then pull it rearwards to release the two spring clips at its top front edge. It is worth unplugging the connectors to the little aspirator fan unit on that panel and also unplugging the valet switch so their wires do not get strained while you work. Do not forget to reconnect everything upon completion....

A word of caution - who will perform the maintenance and repairs if you purchase this vehicle? If you cannot DIY most of the work and therefore you must pay someone else to keep the car in running order for you, these old XK8s can drain your checkbook in very short order....

 

A common problem is the Reach Drive cable. It connects the motor for the telescope motor to the column. It is a flexible steel cable about 4" long, and they tend to break. If you can hear the motor run when you try to move the column in / out, but nothing happens other than the whir of the motor, then it is this cable. If the column moves in/out on it's own when just pulled, then, it is the gears stripped. The Cable replacement is not a fun job, as you have to work under the dash. I finally tackled it, and it took me a couple of hours to replace. If that is your problem, and you take it to the dealer, they may want to replace the entire column, rather than get into the weeds of fiddling with a small component part.

 

Jaglady,

I second Jon89.

It’s a beautiful car but... Ownership of an old classic car needs love, care, attention.... and a fat wallet. The latter more so if you can’t fix things DIY. The cost of some small plastic parts will make your eyes water that’s even if you find them. Lots to love about this car, but go into its ownership with eyes wide open.

 

I love this, ask the seller to define no big deal (in terms of cost) and then offer the pay him his price plus the estimated extra for the repair after he has it repaired, see where that negotiation goes.
wj

 

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but last week I was noticing the same symptom as the OP of being able to move the wheel up or down by hand about ½ an inch. Unlike him, my steering wheel has no issues moving up, down, in and out. I also noticed that in one of the extreme positions (I think it was extreme low?) that I was not able to move the wheel by hand. Does anyone know the fix? The shake on bumps is annoying.