Jaguar XJR steering play

[Zippyworld]

Hi,

New to this but having read a lot of the postings this is the best place to gain knowledge.

I have a 1998 XJR, 55k on it, Sapphire Blue with Ivory hide, and I have spent a few quid on it since (about 18 months), this included complete reupholster of the drivers seat, High performance suspesion bushes, a couple of low profile roof and boot spoilers, stainless from cats back, air induction and the upper pulley. I also spent £500 on ebs grooved and drilles discs with ebc red stuff pads (bad move don't do this)....

Anyway the car is in the garage getting a couple of things done and an MOT but I have noticed some minor play / movement in the steering wheel going over the slightest of bumps. It looks like this is pointing at a steering column which I beleive is a tw*t of a job, has anyone had a similar problem ?

Apart from this all is well, or it will be after it goes in for the 3rd phase timing chain tensioner kit and back to jag for the throttle housing replacement.

Any input ???

Cheers

Zippyworld

[Jaguar steve]

The lower steering column can develop play between the inner and outer tubes on the section that is designed to collapse in an accident.

Using finger and thumb pressure, very gently rock the steering wheel - if you can feel free play of a couple of mm or so then this is likley to be the problem. Hold the lower column below the UJ where it goes through the floorpan and try rocking the wheel again. If you can feel relative movement between the steering wheel and bottom of the column then that confirms the problem.

You'll need a lower column JMNE9500AD (£100) and a new gaiter JMNE9516AC (£29) - check these may have changed

Fitting is a bit fiddly - make your life easier by removing the four bolts securing the steering rack to the front subframe and dropping it slightly to get the lower column UJs on. A thin smear of grease on the flanges will help to locate the new gaiter.

Check the airbag and horn push pad is not loose - two torx screws at the back of the wheel accessed with half a turn of steering lock - if it is this can cause lots of rattles too.

Edited by Jaguar steve on Saturday 13th December 21:48

[Zippyworld]

Thankyou for your help Steve,

I will take a look at this (or my mechanic will !) next week.

Really useful that, and I will let you know if this cures the problem.

[Zippyworld]

Forgot to ask, where do you recommend I oredr these parts from ?

Jez

[Jaguar steve]

I buy nearly all my parts from the main stealer as I get a useful discount, but you'll find most of the independent parts factors dealing with Jaguar spares should be able to get one for you. Don't rely on my part numbers or prices though - that info is a couple of years old now.

[a8hex]

SNG Barrat have a good website where you can find most bit.
I have always found them most helpful when I've called them.

[Zippyworld]

Thankyou for the further information guys, appreciate it.

Anyone ever found the reason to replace the upper steering column, more out of curiosity as JS's explanation and cure by way of replacing the lower column and gaitor looks promising.

Incidentally, there are two outstanding issues on my car according to Jag.
The codes are R714 and S514, I know the latter is for the throttle body replacement and it's going in to Jag to get that sorted, any ideas what the former code may be for ?

It appears that Jag are going to do this work free of charge as they may have been on a recall, but it's so many years ago that my enquiries are sketchy result wise !