Hi. I know there are a few threads about removing the starter, but I wanted to share what worked for me. I have a 1998 NAS (US) LHD XK 8 model. The top bolt is a real challenge along with getting the starter out. There is a suspension mount that is very close to the starter that adds to the difficultly of getting to the top bolt and backing the starter out once it is free.

I did not remove the steering rack.
I did remove the alternator cooling pipe and the oil filter. Removing the oil filter was the trick that worked. Yeah, you lose a bit of oil, but it sure makes it way easier. With the oil filter out, you can get a better angle on the swivel joint and extensions.
I used a 13mm, 6 point socket on an extension of about 5 inches. I had a swivel at the female end of the extension. I put some tape on the extension to make it not so loose.
With my right hand, I was able to locate the head of the upper bolt. Then with my left hand, holding the end of the extension, I was able to get the socket close to the head of the bolt and then with my fingers from my right hand, nudge it onto the bolt. Easier said than done, but I finally did it.
Then, I took a longer extension and connected that to the female end of the swivel. I held the longer extension in place while I connected it to my impact wrench. Gave it the beans and out it came. (I'm embarrassed to say how long it took me.)
The bottom bolt is easy to get to. It is just right there, laughing at you.

Once the bolts were out, I had to rotate the starter to be able to back it out far enough to clear the bell housing and eventually it comes out down past the ground strap.

Getting the new starter back in was also a chore. I fiddled with rotating, pushing and pulling until it finally went into place. It took me an hour to get it right. I put in the bottom bolt to hold it.
Then, the fun of trying to get the upper bolt back in. I put some tape on the inside of my 6 point socket so it would hold the bolt. Trying to do what I did before with the extension and using both hands I was finally able to get the upper bolt in the hole. I was able to use my finger to turn the bolt to get it started and then I used a ratchet for most of the rest. I just wanted to make sure I didn't have it cross-threaded. Once I got it tight, I added the extension and hit with the impact. Good to go.

All in all, not for the faint of heart. Don't quit your day job.

I hope this helps someone.

Thanks,
Ethan

 

You have a LHD so no need to move the steering rack. For the top bolt you need a socket and extension not over 126mm in total ..fit it and drive it from the front with a knuckle and a long bar ..No need to touch the alternator.

for you RHD readers I have documented it all just search my posts.

 

A helpful walk-through but, personally, I would never tighten up any nut or bolt with an impact wrench. I've spent too many hours reversing the problems caused by garage mechanics who love to save a few minutes. ☹

Richard

 

I found your initial post on this subject to be very helpful.

 

Right, but I figured the number of swivels used and the length of the extensions, the amount of force that made it all the way to the bolt, probably isn't that much. Plus I used just a Milwaukee M12 wrench and not my air gun.

Still, a good point to make.

 

Try this for size,,lots of pictures

How to Change Starter Motor RHD and LHD - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

These cars would stay on the road longer if he engineers designed them for reasonable maintenance. Too many things require a huge amount of effort for what should be a simple job.......

 

starter motor is easy….go do a new audi. plus it’s the most reliable part of the car