New tires already? Differential Leak???
 

Hey all!

I took the car in to get my remote controlled license plate installed. When I was there the mechanic told me my front tires had threads showing. I put 2 front tires on the car in August 2011; I've driven it about 17,000 miles since the installs. I dont remember my XJR needing tires this fast and I used the same Michelin Pilot Sports.

Could this be an alignment issue? My last alignment was about a year ago but even after that my car always drifts to the right. Additionally, the mechanic said I had a rear differential leak; is this a big deal?

Abnormal tire wear and drifting to the right says either alignment or suspension issues. Start with the alignment, since they must not have gotten it right in August when it was done. FYI: these cars are sensitive to alignment and the collective wisdom on the forum says to get the tires road force balanced as well.

As to the differential, no lube is bad news. Get it checked out.

Check the diff vent- they occasionally clog which might cause pressure to build and leak.

My experience with our 2006 XK8 is that the front tires typically outlast the rear tires, sometimes by a factor of two. That is attributible to weight as well as the rear tires being the drive axle. So if your front tires are giving up the ghost that early, it may very well be an alignment issue. Where on the tires was the heavy treadwear, and at what pressures have you been running your tires?

Could you give more details on this? Where is the diff vent located and what does it look like? Last dumb question: how do you clean it? Thx :)

The guys above have better answers than me but I know the vent is on top of the diff and definitely at least add fluid. You will want to fix the leak no matter what. But more important, what the hell is a remote controlled license plate? Is that some kind of 007 thing and where can I get one?

The diff vent is located on the top passenger side of the differential. It is a small round thing that unscrews, which can be cleaned with carb spray or what have you. The "how" it works part is like a straw with a top hat, spring and seal. Since it has oil around it, occasionally it clogs up with dirt.

Here is an ebay item with a good picture showing the vent:
Jaguar XJ8 X308 Diff Differential | eBay

- Hide The Plate.com

Pretty cool. Goes well with the www.jagwrangler.com remote operated top :)

Thanks guys!! Sorry for the delay but for some reason my email just alerted me of these responses.

So I got the car back and here are the issues:

1. rear brakes are needed (knew this already bought EBC reds)
2. shave down all four rotors (steering wheel is shaking) (brakes total 418.00)
3. rear bearings need replacing (total cost 775.06)
4. Transmission pan and/or gasket is leaking (total cost 629.00)
5. Alignment is needed; includes caster, camber, and toe reset (total 99.95)

What should I have them do first? Which can I do on my own? I don't have a lift but I've done a lot of work on my XJR; mostly mechanical and a little electrical work(lights).

Thanks in advance!

@ Powdercoater - I didn't want to drill the plate onto the front of my bumper. I got the idea from one of our members; I'm going to copy all of his mods; lights next. Check it out:

Jaguar Xk8 Modded l Mina Exhaust l Dual Taillights l Remote Top l Hideaway License Plate + more - YouTube

(Waving at WhiteXKR) - Long time no hear; how are you? I still need to get my top done!!!

Hi Bruceb!

If you have seriuously uneven wear on your front tires, get new tires on first and THEN get the alignment.

Give me a shout when you are ready and we can get your top squared away.

@ WhiteXKR - I ordered the tires yesterday; I will do the alignment after. Thanks, I'll give you a call soon.

Do the brakes yourself. I'd go with new rotors on the front if you think yours are warped. On the rears, feel how much ridge there is along the outside rim of the rotor......if it's not much then just replace the pads.