Took the car in for its annual wheel alignment check today at the local tyre shop that does lazer alignment checks etc, only to come back 30mins later to be told they didn't carry out any check as one of the guys noticed some 'play' in the off-side rear.

Car was still on the rotation discs (or whatever they are called), and asked me to feel for myself, and there was indeed some very minor movement (say 2mm?) from 12 to 6, when you pulled the inside of the top of the wheel out toward you. Nothing from 3 and 9.

He said for me to go get it checked out first then come back for alignment checks, as he felt any play could immediately nullify any adjustments they make. They said they checked the torque of each wheel bolt and they were all spot on, although they didn't actually take the wheel off.

I know very little about the mechanics here I'm afraid, so have no idea if he's spot on with his diagnostic or doesn't know what he's talking about. As a consequence you have a forum member sat here thinking he's probably going to be spending £££££ in the next few weeks...!

Worth me mentioning, I haven't noticed any vibrations, rear end wiggles or any noises over the past few weeks that would have alerted me in any way.

I've already phoned my local Jag Ind specialist (spoke to his wife), who told me he's fully booked until mind October, but will get him to call me back over the next day or so!

In the meantime, advice greatly welcome!

Jules

 

Jules - from what I have read on the forum - there is some play in the rear wheels - exactly how much is acceptable, I will run a quick search to see if anyone has given specs and maybe in the meantime one of the techs may provide a more defining answer

 

check out the following thread - post 9 may offer some assistance

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...earings-92198/

 

Thanks sklimii. A little reassured by that, BUT, I'm still not sure what degree of play is allowed/acceptable on the rears. Is approx 2mm ok???

The XK has only just passed 30k so it does seem really early for the rears (especially) to start to fail, but I guess anything is possible.

 

Jules,

You need to be certain where the play is coming from. Wheel bearings aren't the only culprit:



(click on the image to enlarge it)

Apart from Inner and Outer Bearings (arrowed green), the Hub carrier to Lower Wishbone pivot pin / bearings (arrowed in red) and Fulcrum Pin (arrowed in blue)can also give rise to the play described.

Time to jack it up, take the wheel off and have a closer look.

Graham

 

2mm at the tire circumference would be about 0.20 degrees of play. It should be able to keep it within the wider allowable range for camber.

So the alignment shop may be overly concerned, however getting it checked out is not a bad idea either.