I had the jag into the local Jag dealership to get the tensioners, guides etc fixed and when I picked her up the service manager said the Rack & Pinion was shot and needed replacement ( $1,600.00 ) Needless to say after forking out for the tensioners it wasn't gonna happen. My question - how do I know it needs replacing ? What are the symptoms ? I have no problems with the steering and she handles really well.

Any thoughts ?

1997 XK8 Convertable
63,000 miles

 

You have no symptoms and the doctor says you need major surgery.....get a second opinion.

 

In terms of rack and pinion r&r it is very easy to do.

Anyhow, the rack is bad if: fluid leaking from boots, leaking from where the steering column meets the rack , if when the wheels are returning to strait from out of a turn it is catchy or choppy, if turning wheel is catchy or choppy, if you have a whine from the rack.

That aside, I would drive it until it fails. My old 2000 XJ's went about 20k on a wounded rack. It worked perfectly until the end. Just keep some tranny fluid in the trunk and top of the power steering when the whine begins.