Just bought XJS - question!
Discussion
Hi, I haven't been on PH for a while as I've been trottng around the world.
I've just returned to Jaguar ownership, by buying a 1988 V12 XJS for a 'round of drinks' price. (I was looking for a cheap fiesta-ish runabout until I was tempted by this).
Nearly everything is fine, although there is some non-structural rust. My main worry is that, on braking, the car judders and the steering wheel rocks back and forth by an inch or two at the same time. The car doesn't pull to either side though.
The car also vibrates at 70 - 80 mph, but I suspect this to be worn UJs or out of balance prop shaft. Anyone have any idea, opinions advice?
I've just returned to Jaguar ownership, by buying a 1988 V12 XJS for a 'round of drinks' price. (I was looking for a cheap fiesta-ish runabout until I was tempted by this).
Nearly everything is fine, although there is some non-structural rust. My main worry is that, on braking, the car judders and the steering wheel rocks back and forth by an inch or two at the same time. The car doesn't pull to either side though.
The car also vibrates at 70 - 80 mph, but I suspect this to be worn UJs or out of balance prop shaft. Anyone have any idea, opinions advice?
Thanks. I was rather hoping you weren't going to say that, but I suppose facts have to be faced! Trip to the garage, pretty sharpish, methinks! 
Radius arm mounts were among the first things I checked, but I'll have a closer look at the other stuff as well. Thanks for the advice - I'll get on the case!
Radius arm mounts were among the first things I checked, but I'll have a closer look at the other stuff as well. Thanks for the advice - I'll get on the case!
Just thought I'd resurrect this thread to give you an update and ask more daft questions. The juddering under braking turned out to be warped front discs. The vibration at 70-80 mph disappeared after the discs were changed, which was a bit of a surprise, but not to be complained about.
Next job is the steering rack, which leaks like a New Labia MP. My long term plan is to upgrade the car's handling and performance after I've done all the more routine jobs, and this includes the steering. I was thinking about stiffer rack bushes and something to quicken the steering and/or reduce the power assistance. I understand there was a valve that could be fitted to the rack to reduce the assistance, but a quicker rack from a late model car would have much the same effect. As I probably have to replace the rack anyway, I may as well fit a late rack now. Can anyone advise on the wisdom of this and whether a late rack will fit directly to an 88 XJS?
Apart from all that, the car is behaving impeccably. So much more satisfying than the miserable hatchback I was going to buy!
Next job is the steering rack, which leaks like a New Labia MP. My long term plan is to upgrade the car's handling and performance after I've done all the more routine jobs, and this includes the steering. I was thinking about stiffer rack bushes and something to quicken the steering and/or reduce the power assistance. I understand there was a valve that could be fitted to the rack to reduce the assistance, but a quicker rack from a late model car would have much the same effect. As I probably have to replace the rack anyway, I may as well fit a late rack now. Can anyone advise on the wisdom of this and whether a late rack will fit directly to an 88 XJS?
Apart from all that, the car is behaving impeccably. So much more satisfying than the miserable hatchback I was going to buy!
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