1998 XJ8 Power Steering Rack

Removal and Installation Procedure

GENERAL: The steering rack has two tie rods, one attached to each front wheel steering knuckle. The pinion gear and rack is also attached to the steering column by a bolt (10MM) in a universal joint/knuckle. The high and low pressure fluid hoses are attached to the steering rack by a torq bolt (T40). The steering rack is attached to the vehicle cross member by two “U” shaped rubber cushioned mounts with 2 bolts (13MM) each. These rubber cushions and mounts Must be marked prior to removal and installed in the Exact same location and vertical orientation NOTE: The steering hose are easier to disconnect after everything else is loose or disconnected. Additionally, to separate the pinion steering rack from the steering column universal/knuckle you will need slack in the system to pry them apart. There is a rubber boot above the Universal that will you to push up on the universal to disconnect it from the pinion shaft/steering rack.

Steering racks are often damaged by metal filings and hoses that deteriorate from the inside. As you drain or flush fluid from the system use a coffee filter/cheese cloth to capture any foreign material to determine if you should replace other components. Flushing the system will require someone cranking the engine over (remove fuel pump fuse) while someone else pours in fluid and filters the system. Do not install the new steering rack until you are sure there are no contaminants’. Flush the system with at least 1 gallon of power steering fluid required for 1998 XJ8 Jagusr Dexron III or the vehicle manufacturer recommended fluid. When no contaminants are visible you can filter and reuse the fluid used to flush.

REMOVAL

1. Place wheel blocks behind rear tires.

2. Loosen front wheel lugs.

3. Jack up front of vehicle and place stands under the Jaguar jacking points.

4. Turn on the vehicle key and position steering wheel in the straight forward position.

5. Leave key on and disconnect negative battery terminal.

6. Remove front wheels

7. Make sure you measure the tie rod ends or count the threads exposed at the knuckle to obtain adequate alignment adjustment when reinstalling new steering rack

8. Remove outer tie rod ends from steering knuckle. Use a suitable tool, not a fork type.
An option is to slip the boot clamps off the outer boot, loosen the tie rod locking nut while holding a back up wrench on the steering knuckle. Now you can unscrew the tie rod from the steering knuckle.

9. Make sure the steering wheel is straight. Under the vehicle observe the steering column universal or knuckle. There are two tabs below the universal/knuckle on the pinion shaft. One of the Tabs is Metal on the aluminum pinion gear box and the other is black plastic on the pinion shaft. These tabs should be closely aligned when the steering wheel is straight. Remove the 10mm bolt attaching the pinion shaft to the steering column universal/knuckle. Push up on the Universal to remove or loosen it on the pinion shaft. Remove the 10MM bolt securing/holding the pinion and steering rack to the universal. The pinion shaft is a tight fit and may need to be pryed apart after you get some slack in the system. The rubber boot above the universal has some slack in it to puch the universal up off the pinion shaft.

10. Remove any straps that are holding the power steering hoses to the steering rack to ensure there is sufficient slack so as not to damage them.

11. Did you mark the orientation of the Left and right rubber cushioned “U” mounts. Loosen the !3MM bolts on the “U” mounts/supports securing the steering rack to the vehicle cross member. Remove the bolts on top off the mounts. Loosen the bottom bolts (especially the bolt on the drivers side) enough to gain sufficient slack to separate the steering column universal/knuckle from the pinion/steering rack and provide clearance to remove the T-40 bolt securing the power steering hoses. Cover the hose connections to keep trash out.

12. Have a container available to drain/catch power steering fluid

13. The Powering steering hoses are fitted with O’rings and fit very tight, Use a small screw driver to pry them loose from the pinion rack hose connections. Replace O’rings -- Ask the supplier when ordering the New Rack for new O’rings

14. There is a black alignment indicator that need to be removed from the pinion shaft on the old steering rack and slipped on the pinion shaft of the new rack, after the new rack pinion is in center of travel


REINSTALLATION

Note: DID YOU FLUSH THE RESERVIOR, PUMP, and HOSES.


1 Center travel of new rack. Do not use pliers the pinion groves may be damaged. Use the black alignment indicator to rotate the rack until it stops. Count the turns as you rotate to the other stop, set the alignment at ½ travel.

2 Install the proper rubber cushion/”U” mount to the new steering rack.

3 Partially install the steering rack using only the bottom bolts. Thread the bottom bolts into the cross member about 2 or 3 turns Do the same to the top bolt on the passenger side. (13MM)

4 Install new O’rings on hoses. Install hoses and tighten with –Torq T40

5 Tighten top and bottom bolts on both“U” mounts. 4- 13MM

6 Make sure steering wheel is straight and alignment marks are centered. Slip steering column universal on pinion, Install the 10 MM bolt a snug it up tight but do not over tighten.

7 Fill reservoir to recommended lever. Rotate steering rack slowly, all the way right and left---4 or 5 times—recheck level and fill as necessary. Check for leaks.

8 Reinstall fuel pump fuse, if removed Reconnect battery

9 Start vehicle and rotate steering rack slowly, all the way right and left---4 or 5 times—recheck level and fill as necessary. Check for leaks.

10 Place steering wheel in straight position and check alignment marker on pinion.

11 Adjust and connect the ties rods. Tighten the tie rod locknut against knuckle.

12 Put the wheels/tires on and secure lug nuts.

13 Remove jack stands/lower vehicle

14 Properly tighten lug nuts

15 Get alignment checked

 

Great write up! Needs to be added to the Sticky's

 

We could make it sticky but needs photo shots , all FAQs need this

Thanks for your taking time and trouble to post this

 

Good stuff! Thanks!

 

Removing the fuel injection fuse may be better in that it avoids any chance of the engine starting on accumulated pressure in the fuel rail since the injectors do not open at all.

 

Very good stuff. I was wondering if I would be able to do this myself - I think I am now tempted!

 

does anyone know if you can replace a 98 car steering rack with a 99 i know the part numbers differ but in terms of specs and functionality would there be any difference?