The first one was as easy as pie. It took me about 10 minutes. The second one kicked my ***. Guess which one I filmed? I thought I'd get some practice on the first one before doing it in front of the camera. I had the hardest time unscrewing the tie rod end from the tie rod. It was corroded in place.

By the way, in the video I say that I was having a vibration in the steering wheel. It wasn't really a vibration. When I would go over bumps the steering wheel would jiggle in my hands. It is much better now, although still not perfect. I think I also need upper shock mounts.

Here's the video:

How To Change the Tie Rod Ends on a Jaguar XK8 - YouTube

 

Good vid Rev, did you also install sway bar end links with your new sway bar bushings? If you did, there isn't much left to 'vibrate' the steering wheel. I remember Brutal saying it is inherent in these cars to have lots of 'feel' to the steering wheel as the suspension doesnt absorb 100% of the vibrations from cracks and bumps in the pavement.

Oh, added to the FAQ list, as usual.

 

I did not install sway bar link ends, but the ones on the car seem very solid. The jiggly steering wheel isn't nearly as jiggly as it was before I replaced the tie rod ends, but it's still a little jiggly. Maybe I should go drive another one just to see how the steering feels. Maybe what I'm thinking is a problem is just normal steering feel.

 

Another nice vid Sam, thanks for sharing....

Re the nut that tightens up to the ball joint to keep your tracking straight n true.
You can also as an added measure "count" the number of turns as you remove the track rod end, this in conjunction with leaving the securing nut in place means your setup will pretty much be exactly where it was prior to starting the job.

 

Fantastic video, as usual. Thanks for sharing

You seem to have lots of time to work on your car. Do you have a regular day job? It's none of my business really, but I always wonder how you find the time for all these jobs, plus going up to the mountains or down to the coast every weekend...?

 

Nice stuff , thanks for this cool video

 

Sam, thanks for another great video. As you, I had some "play" for lack of a better description, which I thought was either tied-rod or slop in the rack and pinion. I had the dealer replace the upper shock mounts (dealership because you don't have a video for that yet) and it resolved most of the issue. I think I will tackle this job as well now. These cars seem to be very sensitive to worn out suspension parts, more so than I can recall with other cars I have had (not a complaint, just observation).

So Sam, if you are taking requests (LOL), I have a seeping octopus hose that needs repair or replacement. I thought about tackling this myslef with some of the tips from others on the forum that have done it, but, a video before I start it would be great! JK mostly.

 

Don't hold your breath. I asked him to do a video on how to convert an XKR into a DB9. That was 6 months ago and he still hasn't done it.

 

All that time he has and still not done?

 

now go get it aligned, counting turns and thinking youre setting it back into the same spot is not the case. Its only for getting it to the alignment shop without major tire damage. No 2 parts are identicle and the toe settings being off will wipe out a good set od tires quick.

 

LOL! I'm half owner of a company that sells and services life-safety equipment, such as fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, kitchen hoods, fire extinguishers... It's all commercial and industrial stuff. Summer is our busy season because we're doing lots of work at schools and colleges. There's always a lull right after the summer ends.

 

Right. Same with me really. I sell specialist lawnmowers so 95% of my work is March-October.

 

No wonder your yard looks so nice.