The near side rear wheel of my XK8 has up-down rocking play but is tight left to right. I've replaced the half-shaft UJs but that made little difference. Then realised the output shaft flange was moving so I expected the bearing to have failed. Replaced the bearing and there is just as much movement - the bearing outer race is sliding in the diff housing (new circlip, well seated). Do I dig a shallow grave for the diff or is there a practical fix? Hoping for some advice that the latter case is true.

 

OK, I've calmed down a bit now. Having initially rushed into replacing parts without really understanding the problem (based on a caution at its recent MoT test) I've now carefully measured the end play in each part of the axle.
The total axial float at the hub nut is about 1mm (~0.040") but the diff shaft flange only moves 0.15mm - just on the specified limit. The rest of the play is in the universal joints - the hub bearings and the bottom pivot bearings are free from play.
So, is this to be expected? The consequence is that with the car on the ground the top of the rear tyres can be pulled outward (with a bit of effort) by 2-3mm.
Would any other XK8/R owners try the same test and see what they find please?
I still don't like the idea of the diff bearing sliding in its housing - at all.
Cheers,
Phil

 

Isn't this because the differential output shafts need shimming????


https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88114

 

The camber shims go between the output flange and the half shaft. I believe what Phil is meaning is that the output shaft itself is moving slightly in and out of the differential housing because the bearing race doesn't fit tightly.

I noticed a similar thing about my car shortly after purchasing it (2.5yrs) but it seems not to be getting any worse.

I just checked in the way you describe, by pulling on the top of the tire, and see a similar few mm of wiggle.

 

Thanks chaps.
Charlie is right Jon, the flange shims adjust the camber they do not take up play.
I'll keep an eye on it.