I've had various issues with my car for some time, some looseness from the rear end at speed, a wheel wobble and a wandering across the road, the steering bot quite as precise as it should be, all was not well.

Today I decided to be more proactive ahead of my visit back to Prestige Jaguar for another few minor issues to look at and visited a company fairly local to me, luckily enough.

The company is Premier Tyres in Hamilton 01698 424478 and I spoke with Keiran and Callum, 2 very friendly and helpful guys who really seem to know their onions.
The equipment used?

Hunter GSP9700 A 4 wheel alignment, laser guided, pressure testing, rim runout, balancing all singing all dancing machine.
So much more than a standard wheel balance and alignment!

The issues before......

1. A wheel judder when braking, more than likely discs or bearings I guess but we'll see how it may or may not affect this.
2. A slight wander, pulling to one side
3. A vague feeling from the rear, very loose at high speeds.

I'd had enough and it was time to get this resolved.....


Kieran began by initially balancing all 4 wheels * properly* not the standard balancing for sure.
The machine was fantastic and showed wheel run out ( I have 2 rims that are out of true ) and even high spots on what are new tyres. The Hunter GSP9700 even has a pressure testing system and shows exactly what the tyre is at, along with a laser guide to show precisely where any weights need to be added to counteract any forces.



















Calum took over after the balancing checks and adjustments and away it went for the Supertracker 4 wheel alignment, as outlined below..







The rear was way out by quite a bit and the front drivers wasn't in good shape either, but all adjusted up fine, no issues.

Went for a spin with Callum and he was happy with the results, paid what seemed a lot at £110 for the service, but reserved judgement.

I checked it out on the way home, although traffic hindered some high speed testing, it certainly seemed to track straight and true, wandering has gone.

Of course the brake judder remains, but to be expected as this wasn't going to be cured.

At reasonable speeds it certainly seems a lot more stable, more sure footed and planted than before, a definite result in my eyes and money well spent.

These guys are one of a very few garages that have this system and able to offer this service, I highly recommend them.

Premier tyres
Fullwood ind est
Burnbank road
Hamilton
ML3 9AZ
01698 424478

 

I had mine checked on the XJK Jaguar rig in Newcastle-under-Lyme, when I had new tyres fitted. Actually it was fairly well set-up, but it is worth doing about every 2 years at least, in case of pothole damage. I have found, though, that these cars are sensitive to side winds, although the car still runs straight. My prognosis is the lightness of the car compared to its bulk means the car can sometimes appear a bit nervous, but once one gets used to this characteristic, then one just ignores it. The way a large car like this can be hustled around corners is quite astonishing.

 

Going into Prestige Jaguar on Wednesday next week for them to cast their eyes over it in regards to steering judder, had enough and need to get it resolved.

Wondering what the prognosis may be......

I guess slightly buckled wheels may be the cause?

Brakes are in good shape to look at and perform very well, although I guess could be warped discs?

No whine / hum or drone so no wheel bearings suspected although I've asked them to check every possibility.
After all the warranty should spring if it's even likely to be wheel bearing related...lol

We'll see I guess....