I recently purchased a 2001 xk8 with 32,000 miles. On rough roads/bumps there is a vibration in the steering wheel. On smooth roads all is good. I've replaced the Goodyear F1's with Michelins and put on new shocks/struts (Bilsteins). While there has been some improvement, the problem persists. The dealer could feel the problem but could find nothing wrong. An independent Jag mechanic is the one who recommended first the new tires, then the suspension replacement (probably took me). Any suggestion? The car is otherwise perfect. Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum!

Sounds like you found a gem of a car!

These cars are famous for having little issues with balance/vibration and I have had them all. New tires and smooth ride on smooth pavement would seem to declare the tires/wheels/suspension in good shape. Problems can be found with the upper and lower control arm bushing but your low mileage would, again, say that should not be an issue.

Drive on smooth roads!

Welcome again.

 

Are there any noises or a feeling of the front end being "loose" and a little disoderly over the bumps, or is it that you're getting some more feedback through the wheel than you're used to? I just had the front susp. renewed and it is night and day on the bumps; feels alot tighter but I still feel the vibration through the wheel.

 

How about this: We're looking for somehing that wiggles around on rough roads, not on smooth roads.

Worn bushings?

 

No noise and I guess you could say the front end feels a little loose, but it may just be that I'm not used to this much feedback through the steering wheel. Neither my 08 CTS nor my 08 Saturn Vue feel anything like this. I assume the dealer checked the bushings when I took it in. Again, they could feel it but couldn't diagnose it. They also said it wasn't a balance problem. They could feel it driving around the dealer parking lot at slow speeds.

 

Maybe your dealer would let you take a short drive in another car to see if this is how they are or if it's unique to your car. I noticed today that there's alot of vibration/road feel on the crappy roads in RI with my XK8, more than in my Volvo XC70 wagon or my wife's 325i. I think comparing to another known good car is the way to go.

 

I'll give it a try but I'm not sure the dealer will let me drive one of their cars as I don't have it serviced at the dealer. But I agree that driving another one should be my next step. Maybe I'll check in with the local Jag owners club. Thanks.

 

I've had two now, an R with low mileage and an XK8 with about 70 thousand miles. Both had more feedback than I've been used to with North American cars. If there is a rut or line in the road, you can feel the wheel pulled. Seems that Europeens like this.

 

Even though your car's low mileage, the rubber in the bushings is over 10 years old. I'd recommend changing out the control arm bushings.
My '04 has 66,000 miles. The bushings looked fine, but I was determined to improve the ride so I changed them anyway. I also replaced the shocks, shock mounts, ball joints, and sway bar links and bushings. It made a world of difference.

 

Its not a "european" issue. Its a normal xk issue. To me(obviously i drive all kinds of jags) the xk has always tended to be a little skitterish feeling over bumps(bump steer) cause i drive all kinds of differant xk8's so i get used to whats normal and whats not. I feel from experiance and your desciption (****disclaimer**** over the web) you don't have a problem but a characteristic of the car........enjoy it and quit worrying