Hi, is there any recommended interval to check/replace tie rod ends on 4.2 XKR? My car has 234tkm (145t miles) and I did not find any invoice from tie rod ends replacement from previous owner. The steering is not shaking or something like that, but I believe it could be less "loosen". I will be doing complete front axle refurbishment (bushings and joints) anyway, but would like to know if changing tie rod ends may help.

 

I did mine at around 60K miles. There not sloppy but were not nearly as tight as new ones. It did make a difference.

My DIY with pics is here. Easy job but you should get an alignment after.

 

Thank you for your answer and thanks for the link to your thread, its very useful especially the mention about noises coming from back when slowing down completely to 0 kmh or when shifting from P to D. Sometimes I do feel the noise you described too, but did not know its related to rear sway bar bushings and links. Also that smell of something burning - can feel this sometimes as well so will check for any coolant leaks.

 

If there is no play in them why would you want to change them ?

 

Like I said, the steering seems to me bit loosen and is not such a big investment so why not to try it? with 150k miles on the clock I believe I can only make it better if it was never changed

 

Put a bar under them as see if you have any lift ..they are spring-loaded ..If you were in UK they would be tested each year at the annual test. If you change them count the turns as you wind each one off and put back the same . That way the steering wheel will stay central and you won't need a wheel alignment.

 

The track rod ends are NOT a service item. They are either OK or fail very quickly.

As you don't give a Location, I have no idea where in the World you may be and what test regulations may apply. Here in the UK, vehicles are subject to an annual safey check (the MoT) which gives the suspension and steering a thorough check for wear.

All moving suspension and steering parts wear in use and, in the case of rubber components, also over time. Anything you change is likely to make an improvement but whether it is perceptible is another matter.

As you are doing a full refurbishment of the front then it is little additional cost or work to replace the track rod ends. However, there is the risk of introducing an alignment issue where you presently don't have one. I never deliberately go looking for trouble.

Graham

 

Hi Graham, we do have annual inspections in my country (Czech republic) every two years. Last time I was there was in December 2020 when I bought the car but my guess is that they only find things that are very worn. I remember I was with that inspection guy in the pit and asked especially about the front axle parts. He said eveyrthing is fine. Yet I still hear some noises when driving on bumpy roads.
Anyway, Jaguar also says sealed for life for differential oil, transmission oil, supercharger oil. Lot of people do change that and so did I. Maybe this "not servicable" part applies only to first owner of the car or first 100k km/miles because then, who cares. Car makers just want you to buy a new car and not keep fixing the old one

 

My steering got noticeably sloppy around 95,000 miles (153,000 km). Replaced both inner and outer tie rods, then got a "free" alignment from Pep Boys from their 5 year, no limitations alignment deal.

 

Did doing just the tie rods solve the steering problems? When I drive, the front wheels don't stay straight. Constant small movements. Based on the noise and movement over bumps, the front end probably needs to be rebuilt but still working my way thru problems. Running 26/28 tire pressure for now which softens the ride but shouldn't cause the wander. Great color by the way.

 

Over a 3 year period, I've replaced/serviced all suspension parts front and rear, including shocks/struts, shock mounts, stabilizers, bushings, tie rods, ball joints, brakes, rear wheel bearings, etc. It rides like a new car now, a great confidence factor. Worn tie rods cause a bit of clunking noise and allow the front wheels to wallow around seemingly independently; hard on tread wear and steering responsiveness. Most noticeable above airborne speeds (hint, hint, wink, wink) on a good rural straight-away, when a pucker factor of about 126% suddenly kicks in while you try and keep the car centered in your lane but one of the wheels wants to go in a slightly different direction than the other every time you negotiate even a gentle curve. So yes, it definitely sounds like your tie rods need attention. Better to replace both while you're replacing the worst one; no sense in doing the job twice. Also check the stabilizer bushings and the shock mounts, too; everything works together.

Here's a good video on testing your tie rods: